facebook tracking Avalon Healthcare Bellingham, Bellingham WA: CMS Ratings
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Avalon Healthcare Bellingham

All states › Washington › Bellingham › Avalon Healthcare Bellingham

3121 Squalicum Parkway Bellingham, WA 98225 · Whatcom County

(360) 734-6760

All 6 nursing homes in Bellingham, WA (6 take Medicaid)

Accepts Medicare Accepts Medicaid 105 certified beds For profit

CMS certification number 505296 · See this home on Medicare Care Compare

Ratings come from CMS and are updated monthly; these are from October 2026. Check the latest inspection report and visit in person before you decide.

Is Avalon Healthcare Bellingham a good nursing home? Reviews, ratings and inspection record

There are no official resident reviews of nursing homes: Medicare's Care Compare publishes inspections, staffing and quality data instead. Here is what that record shows for Avalon Healthcare Bellingham as of October 2026.

CMS rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall, above the Washington average of 3.3. Inspectors issued 29 citations in the last three years. CMS imposed 1 penalty, including $32,298 in fines, in that time. For short-term rehab patients CMS rates quality 5 out of 5; for long-term residents, 5 out of 5.

Online reviews from families and residents are on Google Maps and other sites; they reflect individual experiences and aren't checked by CMS. The full inspection reports, including what inspectors observed, are on Medicare Care Compare.

Staffing

Nursing staff spend about 4.19 hours per resident per day at Avalon Healthcare Bellingham, about the same as the Washington median of 4.15 (US median: 3.72). About 0.94 of those hours are from registered nurses. On weekends it falls to 3.64 hours, 13% below its all-week average. 48.9% of nursing staff left within a year (Washington median 43%).

Nursing care per resident per day 4.19 hours
About the Washington median Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and aides combined, from payroll records.
Registered nurse hours 0.94 per resident a day RNs handle assessments, medications and changes in condition.
Weekend nursing care 3.64 hours Per resident a day. A big drop from weekdays can mean thin weekend staffing.
Nursing staff turnover 48.9% a year Share of nursing staff who left over a year. Lower usually means steadier care.
Registered nurse turnover 36.4% a year Share of registered nurses who left over a year.
Administrators who left 0 in the past year Frequent leadership changes are worth asking about on a visit.

About this nursing home

Certified beds105
Residents per day 74 About 70% of beds filled, on average
OwnershipFor profit - Corporation
Payment acceptedMedicare and Medicaid
Certified sinceMarch 1986
Part of a chainAvalon Health Care
Legal business nameAVALON CARE CENTER - BELLINGHAM LLC

Paying for care at Avalon Healthcare Bellingham: Medicare and Medicaid

Avalon Healthcare Bellingham is certified for both Medicare and Medicaid. Medicare Part A can cover a short skilled-nursing or rehab stay here after a qualifying hospital stay of at least three inpatient days (observation days don't count), for up to 100 days per benefit period. Medicaid can pay for long-term care for residents who meet Washington's income and asset rules. Being certified doesn't guarantee a Medicaid bed is open, so ask whether the home accepts residents whose Medicaid application is still pending.

In 2026 Medicare covers days 1–20 in full after the Part A deductible ($1,736 per benefit period); for days 21–100 you pay $217 a day; after day 100 you pay all costs. Medicare doesn't pay for long-term custodial care. Medicare's coverage rules.

Health inspections

The most recent standard inspection was on December 5, 2025 and found 10 deficiencies. In total, inspectors issued 29 citations in the last three years.

Each citation has a scope and severity letter from A to L. A–C: potential for minimal harm. D–F: potential for more than minimal harm. G–I: actual harm. J–L: immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety.

What the inspections found

Over the last three years, inspectors issued 29 citations at Avalon Healthcare Bellingham across 7 inspection dates, 7 of them from complaint investigations. 2 were at the actual-harm level (G–I), most recently on April 24, 2025. The most common areas cited were quality of life and care (13) and resident rights (5). The most serious was cited under the CMS rule to "provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing" (tag F0686, level G, April 24, 2025). 2 citations were under CMS's abuse, neglect and exploitation rules.

December 5, 2025 · 10 citations

EProvide appropriate care for a resident to maintain and/or improve range of motion (ROM), limited ROM and/or mobility, unless a decline is for a medical reason.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0688 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 5, 2026)

DPrevent the use of unnecessary psychotropic medications or use medications that may restrain a resident's ability to function.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0605 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 5, 2026)

DCreate and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0655 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 5, 2026)

DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0684 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 5, 2026)

DProvide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0686 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 5, 2026)

DEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 5, 2026)

DProvide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0695 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 5, 2026)

DEnsure drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles; and all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, separately locked, compartments for controlled drugs.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0761 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 5, 2026)

DDevelop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0883 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 5, 2026)

DEducate residents and staff on COVID-19 vaccination, offer the COVID-19 vaccine to eligible residents and staff after education, and properly document each resident and staff member's vaccination status.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0887 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 5, 2026)

April 24, 2025 · 1 citation, includes actual harm · includes complaint inspection

GProvide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.

Actual harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0686 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 15, 2025)

January 13, 2025 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

DImmediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0580 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 29, 2025)

December 6, 2024 · 6 citations

EEnsure the activities program is directed by a qualified professional.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0680 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 3, 2025)

EProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0684 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 3, 2025)

DGive the resident's representative the ability to exercise the resident's rights.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0551 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 3, 2025)

DDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0656 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 3, 2025)

DProvide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0677 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 3, 2025)

DProvide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0690 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 3, 2025)

September 3, 2024 · 3 citations, includes actual harm · includes complaint inspection

GEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

Actual harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 19, 2024)

DKeep residents' personal and medical records private and confidential.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0583 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 17, 2024)

DRespond appropriately to all alleged violations.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0610 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 19, 2024)

March 25, 2024 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

DHonor the resident's right to a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment, including but not limited to receiving treatment and supports for daily living safely.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0584 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 9, 2024)

January 11, 2024 · 7 citations · includes complaint inspection

EDesignate a qualified infection preventionist to be responsible for the infection prevent and control program in the nursing home.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0882 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 1, 2024)

DLet each resident or the resident's legal representative access or purchase copies of all the resident's records.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0573 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 1, 2024)

DAssess the resident completely in a timely manner when first admitted, and then periodically, at least every 12 months.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0636 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 1, 2024)

DEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0658 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 1, 2024)

DProvide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0697 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 1, 2024)

DEnsure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0757 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 1, 2024)

DProvide or get specialized rehabilitative services as required for a resident.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0825 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 1, 2024)

Questions to ask on a tour of Avalon Healthcare Bellingham

  1. Inspectors cited the home at the actual-harm level on April 24, 2025 under the rule on quality of life and care. What changed afterwards, and can I see the plan of correction?
  2. CMS cited the home under its abuse and neglect rules on December 5, 2025. How are staff trained, and how are concerns reported?
  3. Do you have a Medicaid bed open now, and will you admit someone whose Medicaid application is still pending?
  4. When is the first care-plan meeting, and can family attend?

Questions come from this home's CMS data: its inspections, staffing and ownership record.

Fines and payment denials

1 penalty in the last three years, including $32,298 in fines.

DateTypeAmount or length
Apr 24, 2025 Fine $32,298

Rating history

CMS monthOverallInspectionStaffingQuality
October 2026 5/5 4/5 3/5 5/5
August 2026 5/5 4/5 4/5 5/5
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Location

Hospitals near Avalon Healthcare Bellingham

The Medicare-certified hospitals closest to this nursing home, with their CMS data. Ask the home which hospital it usually sends residents to.

  • 0.2 mi
    Peacehealth St Joseph Medical Center Bellingham
    Emergency room ★★★★☆ Medicare overall 4 of 5
    Median ER visit 3h 30m for patients treated and sent home
  • 19.8 mi
    Island Hospital Anacortes
    Emergency room ★★★★☆ Medicare overall 4 of 5
    Median ER visit 3h 24m for patients treated and sent home
  • 21.0 mi
    United General Hospital Sedro-Woolley
    Emergency room ★★★☆☆ Medicare overall 3 of 5
    Median ER visit 2h 22m for patients treated and sent home

Hospital ratings, ER visit times and more at Hospitals In Each State
Source: CMS Care Compare. Distances are approximate.

Nearby nursing homes

Alderwood Park Health and Rehab of Cascadia Bellingham · 1.5 mi away ★★★★★ Inspection 4/5 · Staffing 3/5 102 beds · Medicaid
Rock Hill Health & Rehabilitation Bellingham · 1.6 mi away ★★☆☆☆ Inspection 1/5 · Staffing 3/5 52 beds · Medicaid
North Cascades Health and Rehabilitation Bellingham · 3.1 mi away ★★☆☆☆ Inspection 1/5 · Staffing 5/5 122 beds · Medicaid
Mt Baker Care Center Bellingham · 4.1 mi away ★★★★★ Inspection 5/5 · Staffing 5/5 70 beds · Medicaid
Highland Health and Rehabilitation of Cascadia Bellingham · 4.3 mi away ★★☆☆☆ Inspection 2/5 · Staffing 3/5 44 beds · Medicaid

More nursing homes near Avalon Healthcare Bellingham ›   All nursing homes in Bellingham ›

Compare Avalon Healthcare Bellingham with the 3 closest homes side by side ›

Other Avalon Health Care nursing homes in Washington

Affiliation comes from CMS's affiliated-entity data, October 2026. All 16 Avalon Health Care nursing homes ›

Source: CMS Provider Data Catalog (provider information, health deficiencies, penalties), October 2026. Inspection citations and penalties cover the last three years. Nursing Homes In Each State is independent and not affiliated with CMS or Medicare. About the data · Report a problem with this listing. Is this your nursing home? Feature it here.

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https://www.nursinghomesineachstate.com/washington/bellingham/avalon-healthcare-bellingham/ · Data: CMS, October 2026 · Nursing Homes In Each State, not affiliated with CMS or Medicare.