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Bellingham, situated in the northwestern region of Washington, is a fast-growing city with 91,000 residents, almost 16% of whom are seniors. It’s home to top hospitals, such as St. Joseph Medical Center, and has cost-effective health care, with services costing about 20% less than in the typical U.S. city. Bellingham also offers several high-quality assisted living facilities, supporting the independence and comfort of seniors.
Assisted living is a good option for older adults who need help with activities, such as meal preparation, mobility and personal grooming, but don’t require skilled nursing services. Residents typically live in studios or one- or two-bedroom apartments, and some facilities allow residents to own small pets. These facilities also offer recreational programming and amenities, such as fitness centers, computer labs and multiple dining options. Bellingham residents pay an average of $4,600 per month for assisted living. This is a little higher than the national average but affordable compared to most Washington cities.
In this guide, you can find more information on assisted living rates in Bellingham, along with options to pay for services when retirement income isn’t enough. It also includes a list of resources that serve area seniors.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
COVID-19 restrictions and rules for Assisted Living Facilities are typically set by the state – to see the rules in your state, you can read our guide to Assisted Living in Washington. Keep in mind that there may be other policies that communities put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
Assisted living facilities in Bellingham charge $4,600 per month for care, making it a relatively cost-effective option for older adults.
Seniors in Bellingham pay approximately $4,600 per month for assisted living. While this is a little higher than the national average of $4,500, it’s about 25% lower than the state median of $6,000.
At $4,600 per month, assisted living rates in Bellingham are affordable compared to care costs in the rest of the state. Walla Walla has more economically priced care, with seniors paying $3,211 monthly. In Yakima, rates exceed Bellingham’s average at $4,975 per month, and in Kennewick, assisted living facilities charge $5,225. Rates in Longview come in at $5,300, and in Wenatchee, seniors pay $5,750. In Seattle, rates are the highest surveyed in the state at $6,750, which exceeds Bellingham’s median by over $2,000.
How to Get Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Bellingham
Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Assisted Living in Washington.
| Resource | Contact | Service |
| Bellingham Senior Activity Center | (360) 733-4030 | The Bellingham Senior Activity Center is open on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and offers over 100 in-person and virtual programs. Membership is open to all Bellingham residents aged 50 and over and costs $50 annually or $15 quarterly. Members have access to discounted class fees, free wireless internet and public computer use, an on-site fitness center and member’s-only programs and events throughout the year. |
| Northwest Regional Council – Aging & Disability Resources | (360) 738-2500 | The Northwest Regional Council is the Area Agency on Aging for Bellingham and surrounding cities. It has information and referral specialists who provide help with finding resources in the community, and it houses the long-term care ombudsman, who serves as an impartial third party to help assisted living residents understand their rights and resolve issues related to their care. |
| Retired and Senior Volunteer Program | (360) 734-5121 | The Volunteer Center of Whatcom County offers the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, which enables those aged 55 and over to donate their time to their community. Volunteers receive a variety of benefits, such as potlucks and movie nights, free placement services and on-the-job training, invitations to recognition events and mileage reimbursement. Some activities they may participate in include distributing food in food banks, tutoring and mentoring school-aged children and helping to organize the Volunteer Mobilization Center. |
| Law Advocates of Whatcom County | (360) 671-6079 | Law Advocates of Whatcom County provides free civil legal assistance to those aged 60 and over in the Bellingham region, including help with accessing public benefits, such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income. Through the CLEAR program, seniors can get over-the-phone legal assistance. This service is available on weekdays between 9:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. by calling (888) 201-1014. |
| Whatcom County Veterans Program | (360) 778-6050 | Whatcom County’s Veterans Program has benefits specialists who help older veterans apply for Aid and Attendance, pensions and disability compensation, as well as access community-based programs that support their health and independence. The office can also help older veterans determine whether they qualify for placement in a veterans’ home, the closest of which is in Port Orchard. |
| Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors | (800) 562-6900 | SHIBA provides free health insurance counseling for seniors, which can help them find ways to cover assisted living. It’s staffed with trained volunteers who can help you understand your Medicare coverage and determine whether you qualify for Medicaid or the COPES Waiver, which can help you pay for assisted living. SHIBA advisors can also help you learn how to protect yourself against Medicare fraud. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Bellingham area are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined at the state level. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.
