Avalon Healthcare Bellingham
Bellingham, WA · Medicare and Medicaid-certified nursing home (CCN 505296) · 105 certified beds
Health inspection: 4 · Quality measures: 5 · Staffing: 4
Federal fines: 1 totaling $32,298
Phone: (360) 734-6760 · Verify on Medicare Care Compare ↗
Avalon Healthcare Bellingham holds a CMS overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars, above the Washington state average of 3.21. Its health inspection rating is 4 stars and its staffing rating is 4 stars.
Avalon Healthcare Bellingham reports 4.50 total nurse hours per resident per day, including 1.21 RN hours per resident per day, with a nursing staff turnover rate of 52.3% and a CMS staffing rating of 4 stars.
Avalon Healthcare Bellingham has 1 federal fine on record totaling $32,298.00, and 0 payment denials. CMS does not display an abuse icon for this facility, and it is not listed in the Special Focus Facility program.
About this facility
Avalon Healthcare Bellingham is a Medicare- and Medicaid-certified nursing home located in Bellingham, Whatcom County, Washington. The facility is certified for 105 beds and reports an average daily census of 66.4 residents. It is operated by a for-profit corporation and has been certified since March 1986.
According to CMS Care Compare data, Avalon Healthcare Bellingham holds an overall star rating of 5 out of 5, above the Washington state average of 3.21. Its component ratings are: health inspection rating of 4 stars, quality measures rating of 5 stars, and staffing rating of 4 stars.
Nurse staffing levels are reported at 4.50 total nurse hours per resident per day, including 1.21 RN hours per resident per day. Nursing staff turnover is reported at 52.3%.
On penalties, CMS records show 1 federal fine totaling $32,298.00, and 0 payment denials for this facility.
CMS does not display an abuse icon for this facility, and it is not currently listed under CMS's Special Focus Facility program, which designates homes with a history of persistent poor performance placed under increased federal oversight.
Avalon Healthcare Bellingham is part of the Avalon Health Care chain, which operates 16 facilities nationally with an average chain rating of 3.4 stars — notably lower than this individual facility's 5-star overall rating. There has been no change of ownership reported in the last 12 months, so current ratings reflect the current operator.
Source: CMS Medicare Care Compare.
Questions families ask
What is this nursing home's CMS overall star rating and how does it compare to the state average?
Avalon Healthcare Bellingham has an overall CMS rating of 5 out of 5 stars, above the Washington state average of 3.21.
Does this facility accept Medicare, Medicaid, or both?
It accepts both Medicare and Medicaid.
How well is this facility staffed — nurse hours per resident and turnover?
Total nurse staffing is 4.50 hours per resident per day, including 1.21 RN hours, with a 52.3% nursing turnover rate and a staffing rating of 4 stars.
Does this facility have federal fines or penalties on record?
Yes, CMS records show 1 fine totaling $32,298.00 and 0 payment denials.
Has CMS flagged this facility for abuse or placed it in the Special Focus program?
No, CMS does not show an abuse icon for this facility, and it is not in the Special Focus Facility program.
How large is this facility and how many residents live there?
It is certified for 105 beds with an average daily census of 66.4 residents.
Who owns this facility — and is it part of a chain?
It is owned by a for-profit corporation and is part of the Avalon Health Care chain, which operates 16 facilities with an average rating of 3.4 stars.
How long has this facility been Medicare/Medicaid certified?
It has been certified since March 1, 1986.
What do the four different CMS star ratings mean?
CMS publishes an overall rating plus separate ratings for health inspections (4 stars), staffing (4 stars), and quality measures (5 stars), which combine into the overall 5-star score.
Does this facility offer short-term rehabilitation as well as long-term care?
The data provided does not specify service types; contact the facility at (360) 734-6760 and verify details on Medicare Care Compare.
What should I look for when touring this facility?
The provided data does not cover tour details; contact the facility at (360) 734-6760 to arrange a visit.
How do I verify this facility's current record on Medicare Care Compare?
You can review the most current data directly at https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/details/nursing-home/505296?state=WA.
Data: CMS Care Compare (Aug2026 refresh). Star ratings, staffing hours, and penalty records are CMS's official published measures. Always tour the facility, review the current inspection record, and verify details with Medicare before making care decisions.