Inspection Reports for The Bellingham at Orchard A Memory Care Residence

The Department of Social and Health Services conducted a follow-up visit to The Bellingham at Orchard assisted living facility to assess compliance and impose civil fines based on unresolved deficiencies.

The facility was cited for uncorrected deficiencies including failure to ensure tuberculosis screening for two staff members within three days of employment and failure to ensure three staff members completed CPR and first aid training, resulting in civil fines.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal conducted a fire safety inspection at the residential care facility to assess compliance with fire protection and life safety codes.

The inspection identified multiple violations related to electrical terminations, appliance connections, fire-resistance-rated construction maintenance, fire door operation, sprinkler system maintenance, fire extinguisher maintenance, emergency lighting, carbon monoxide detection, and fire drills. Many deficiencies were corrected on site, but some documentation and maintenance deficiencies remain unresolved.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal conducted a routine fire safety inspection at the residential care facility Bellingham at Orchard to assess compliance with fire protection and safety codes.

The inspection identified multiple deficiencies related to electrical safety, appliance connections, fire-resistance-rated construction, fire doors, sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, fire alarm systems, carbon monoxide detectors, exit signs, emergency lighting, and emergency power systems. Many deficiencies were corrected on site, but several documentation and maintenance issues remain unresolved.

The investigation was conducted due to complaints regarding missing resident belongings, unclean conditions, lack of social interaction encouragement, assaults, and cancelled physical therapy at the Assisted Living Facility.

The investigation found that the facility failed to investigate missing items for 2 of 3 residents, resulting in citations for failed provider practice. Other allegations such as wet briefs, unclean rooms, lack of social interaction encouragement, assaults, and cancelled physical therapy were found to have no failed practice. The facility was cited for non-compliance with WAC 388-78A-2371.

The complaint investigation was substantiated with failed provider practice identified and citations written. Allegations included missing belongings, unclean room, lack of social interaction encouragement, assaults, and cancelled physical therapy. Only the failure to investigate missing items was substantiated.

The inspection was conducted as a follow-up and complaint investigation related to an incident where a resident left the memory care unit by climbing a fence using a chair, triggering concerns about resident safety and elopement risk.

The investigation found that the facility failed to ensure behavior intervention strategies were in place for a resident at risk of elopement, resulting in the resident leaving the facility unsupervised for eighteen hours. A citation was issued for noncompliance with Washington Administrative Code 388-78A-2090 regarding full assessment topics.

The complaint involved a resident who left the memory care unit by climbing the fence using a chair. The investigation substantiated failed provider practice, resulting in a citation for noncompliance with licensing laws.

The Department completed a follow-up inspection of the Assisted Living Facility to verify correction of previously cited deficiencies related to licensing laws and regulations.

The follow-up inspection found no deficiencies and confirmed that the facility meets the Assisted Living Facility licensing requirements. Previously cited deficiencies related to fire and life safety inspections were corrected.

The follow-up inspection was related to a complaint investigation where the Assisted Living Facility failed their second Fire and Life Safety Inspection. The complaint investigation found the facility failed to correct three fire and life safety violations during the second annual inspection, resulting in citations for noncompliance.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal conducted inspections at the facility to assess compliance with fire protection and safety codes, including duct and air transfer openings, sprinkler systems, exit signs, and electrical hazards.

Multiple inspections found recurring deficiencies related to the facility's inability to provide documentation for fire and smoke damper inspections, sprinkler system tests, and emergency system maintenance. Some issues were corrected, while others remained unresolved, including electrical hazards and malfunctioning fire alarm panels and exit signs.

The inspection was conducted in response to complaints alleging poor hygiene and cleanliness, unattended residents, short staffing, unavailability of nursing staff, unprofessional behavior by the Executive Director, and lack of cleaning supplies at the Assisted Living Facility.

The investigation found multiple environmental deficiencies including broken window blinds, dirty floors and shower areas, black scuff marks on doors, and a dirty housekeeping cart. A citation was issued for noncompliance with maintenance and housekeeping regulations. Staffing levels were observed and found adequate, and no failed practices were identified related to resident grooming, nursing availability, or Executive Director behavior.

The complaint alleged the facility was dirty and unhygienic with urine and feces odors, residents left unattended, short staffing, residents not showered or clean, nurse unavailable 90% of the time, Executive Director unprofessional behavior, cluttered lobby, and lack of cleaning supplies. The investigation partially substantiated environmental cleanliness issues but found no failed practices regarding staffing, resident care, or staff behavior.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal conducted an inspection at the residential care facility to assess compliance with fire protection and safety codes, including duct and air transfer openings, sprinkler systems, and exit signs.

The facility was found unable to provide documentation for the 4-year fire and smoke damper inspection without deficiencies. Some items such as sprinkler system testing and internally illuminated exit signs were corrected in prior inspections, but recurring documentation deficiencies and equipment issues were noted across multiple inspections.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal conducted an inspection at the facility to assess compliance with fire protection and safety codes.

The facility was unable to provide documentation for the 4-year fire and smoke damper inspection without deficiencies. Sprinkler systems were tested and maintained with no deficiencies noted during the latest inspection.

The Department of Social and Health Services completed a follow-up visit to the assisted living facility to verify correction of previous deficiencies related to Fire and Life Safety annual inspections.

The facility failed to correct violations from three Fire and Life Safety annual inspections, resulting in non-compliance with the Washington State Fire Marshal and placing 68 residents at risk of harm in the event of a fire. This deficiency was recurring and previously cited on September 3, 2024, and October 22, 2024.

The Department completed a follow-up inspection of The Bellingham at Orchard Assisted Living Facility on 10/24/2024 to verify correction of previously cited deficiencies related to reporting abuse and neglect.

The follow-up inspection found no deficiencies and confirmed that previously cited deficiencies related to failure to report abuse and neglect were corrected.

The Department of Social and Health Services conducted a follow-up visit to The Bellingham at Orchard assisted living facility to assess correction of previously cited fire and life safety violations.

The licensee failed to correct violations from three Fire and Life Safety annual inspections, resulting in non-compliance with the Washington State Fire Marshal and placing 68 residents at risk of harm in the event of a fire. This deficiency was previously cited and remains uncorrected.

The Department completed a follow-up inspection of the Assisted Living Facility to verify correction of previously cited deficiencies related to background checks.

The follow-up inspection found no deficiencies and confirmed that the facility meets Assisted Living Facility licensing requirements. Previously cited deficiencies related to background checks were corrected.

The inspection was conducted as an unannounced on-site complaint investigation based on allegations regarding resident falls, altercations, inadequate assistance, and failure to assess and monitor residents' well-being at The Bellingham at Orchard Assisted Living Facility.

The investigation found multiple failed practices including inadequate maintenance and housekeeping in a resident's room, failure to monitor and assess a resident's health conditions and injuries, and failure to investigate injuries of unknown source. Citations were issued for noncompliance with Washington Administrative Codes related to maintenance, monitoring residents' well-being, and investigations. A follow-up inspection on 01/09/2025 found no deficiencies.

The complaint investigation involved allegations that a named resident had numerous falls without family notification, was involved in altercations, had inadequate room safety measures, wore other residents' clothing, and had poor room conditions. Additional complaints included failure to assess swelling and wounds, failure to assist with meals, significant weight loss, and failure to notify the doctor. The investigation found substantiated failed practices and issued citations accordingly.

The Department of Social and Health Services conducted a follow-up visit to The Bellingham at Orchard assisted living facility to address recurring deficiencies related to staff background checks.

The facility failed to ensure that four staff members completed the required Washington State name and date of birth background checks every two years, resulting in a civil fine. This deficiency was recurring and previously cited in April and July 2024.

The Department of Social and Health Services completed a follow-up visit to The Bellingham at Orchard assisted living facility, resulting in the imposition of a civil fine due to violations of care standards.

The licensee failed to ensure two residents received care as stated in the negotiated service agreement, leaving one resident in unsanitary conditions and another with poor hygiene, placing residents at risk for medical complications. This was a recurring citation.

The Department of Social and Health Services completed a follow-up visit to The Bellingham at Orchard assisted living facility to address previously cited deficiencies and impose a civil fine for failure to report an unwitnessed fall with substantial injuries.

The facility failed to report to the Complaint Resolution Unit an unwitnessed fall of a resident that resulted in substantial injuries, preventing the Department from reviewing the facility’s response and placing the resident at risk. This deficiency was previously cited and remains uncorrected.

The Department of Social and Health Services completed a follow-up visit to the assisted living facility to address previously cited deficiencies and enforce compliance, resulting in the imposition of a civil fine.

The licensee failed to ensure that four staff members completed required background checks every two years, resulting in 67 residents being cared for by staff with unknown backgrounds and potentially disqualifying crimes. This deficiency was uncorrected from a prior citation dated April 24, 2024.

The investigation was conducted due to a complaint that the Named Resident was not receiving the services agreed upon in the negotiated service agreement.

The investigation found that two of three residents did not receive the agreed-upon care and services, including one resident left in soiled briefs and another observed with poor grooming and strong oral odor. A citation was issued for non-compliance with Washington Administrative Code 388-78A-2160.

The Named Resident was not receiving the services agreed in the negotiated service agreement. The complaint was substantiated with failed provider practice identified and citation(s) written.

The Department completed a follow-up inspection of the Assisted Living Facility to verify correction of previously cited deficiencies.

The follow-up inspection found no deficiencies and confirmed that the facility meets Assisted Living Facility licensing requirements. However, a prior complaint investigation identified a failure to administer medications as prescribed, specifically related to a resident with constipation who had no bowel movement for 17 days, resulting in a citation.

Complaint investigation identified multiple allegations including nonfunctional call button, missing laundry and personal items, incomplete tests, resident left flat in bed with phlegm, no bowel movement for 3 months, short-staffing and undertrained staff, and improper resident admission. The investigation found one citation related to medication administration and bowel movement monitoring.

The Department completed a follow-up inspection of the Assisted Living Facility to verify correction of previously cited deficiencies related to licensing laws and regulations.

The follow-up inspection found no deficiencies and confirmed that the facility meets Assisted Living Facility licensing requirements. However, a prior complaint investigation identified failed practices related to respite admission orders and coordination of health care services, resulting in citations.

The complaint investigation was triggered by allegations including failure to notify family of respite admission, resident sustaining a broken wrist, lack of hospital bed order after injury, insufficient staffing, resident's limited mobility and oxygen needs, and resident's death due to lack of oxygen access. The investigation found failed practices related to respite admission orders and coordination of health care services, resulting in citations. Other allegations were not substantiated.

The Department completed a follow-up inspection of the Assisted Living Facility to verify correction of previously identified deficiencies.

The follow-up inspection found no deficiencies and confirmed that the facility meets Assisted Living Facility licensing requirements. Previous deficiencies related to medication services and resident care were corrected.

The complaint investigation (01/04/2024 through 02/14/2024) involved multiple allegations including nonfunctional call buttons, missing laundry and personal items, failure to provide tests, resident left flat in bed with phlegm, no bowel movement for 3 months, short staffing, undertrained staff, and improper resident admission. The investigation found one citation for failure to administer medications as prescribed related to a resident with no bowel movement for 17 days, but no other failed provider practices were identified.

Follow-up inspection of the Assisted Living Facility to verify correction of previously cited deficiencies.

The follow-up inspection found no deficiencies and confirmed that the facility meets Assisted Living Facility licensing requirements. Previous deficiencies related to safe storage of supplies and equipment were corrected.

Complaint investigation conducted from 08/04/2023 through 09/29/2023 involving allegations of inadequate resident care, unsafe storage of supplies, medication management issues, and restricted freedom of movement. Multiple failed practices were identified including unsafe medication storage accessible to 72 memory care residents, unlocked hazardous supplies, lack of signage for exit from secured memory care unit, and failure to provide care as agreed in negotiated service agreements.

The Department of Social and Health Services completed a follow-up visit to The Bellingham at Orchard assisted living facility to verify correction of previously cited deficiencies.

The licensee failed to ensure hazardous items were stored safely for two residents in a secured memory care facility, resulting in hazardous items being accessible to all 71 residents and placing them at risk of harm. This deficiency was uncorrected from a prior citation dated September 29, 2023.

The Department of Social and Health Services conducted a follow-up visit to The Bellingham at Orchard assisted living facility to verify correction of previously cited deficiencies.

The facility failed to ensure hazardous items were stored safely in a secured memory care area, resulting in hazardous items being accessible to all 71 residents and placing them at risk of harm. This deficiency was uncorrected from a prior citation on September 29, 2023, leading to the imposition of a civil fine.

The investigation was conducted due to complaints including a resident-to-resident altercation and a missing resident who exited the facility without staff awareness.

The facility staff intervened in a resident altercation and updated care plans but failed to meet negotiated service agreement requirements related to grooming and care. Additionally, the facility failed to properly monitor and respond to a resident leaving the premises, resulting in a citation for noncompliance with policies and procedures.

The complaint involved a resident-to-resident altercation and a missing resident who exited the facility using the west exit door without staff checking the outside premises when the alarm went off. The resident was found the next morning after a search involving law enforcement and facility staff. Citations were issued for noncompliance with negotiated service agreements and policies and procedures.

The inspection was conducted as an unannounced on-site complaint investigation regarding a significant bruise and swelling of the left hand of a named resident with an unknown source.

The investigation found that the facility failed to report the resident's significant bruising and swelling to the Complaint Resolution Unit as required, resulting in a citation for noncompliance with reporting abuse and neglect regulations. The bruising was determined to be consistent with contact against a hard surface, and abuse and neglect were ruled out.

The complaint involved a named resident who had a significant bruise and swelling of the left hand with an unknown source. The facility staff investigated and ruled out abuse and neglect but failed to report the incident to the Complaint Resolution Unit. A citation was issued for this failure.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal conducted an inspection at the facility to evaluate compliance with fire safety and protection codes.

The inspection identified multiple violations including lack of documentation for semi-annual hood cleaning, failure of certain fire doors to close and latch properly, missing escutcheon plates on sprinkler heads, inability to provide documentation for fire and smoke damper inspections, and delayed egress locking systems not opening within required timeframes.

The inspection was conducted as a complaint investigation triggered by multiple allegations including lack of staff certification and training, failure to check on a resident resulting in injury, mold presence, understaffing, unsafe storage of cleaning supplies, and other concerns.

The investigation found multiple deficiencies including unsafe storage of hazardous supplies leading to a resident ingesting cleaning liquid, unsanitary conditions in a resident's room with mold and feces on walls, and failure to maintain a clean environment. Several allegations were found to have no failed facility practice, but citations were issued for unsafe storage and maintenance/housekeeping failures.

The complaint investigation was substantiated with citations issued for unsafe storage of supplies and maintenance/housekeeping deficiencies. Other allegations such as lack of staff training, failure to report, and understaffing were not substantiated.