Avalon Healthcare Bellingham
3121 Squalicum Parkway · Bellingham, WA · 98225 · 3607346760
105 certified beds For profit - Corporation Chain: Avalon Health Care
- Staffing hours comfortably above national benchmarks.
- Inspection results have improved across recent cycles.
The composite number cleared 74 points, but Recommended is gated: inspection record below the Recommended bar. That rule is part of the published method.
Red flags
No red flags in the current CMS record. Genuinely good news — pair it with an in-person tour before deciding.
Score breakdown
Quality-measure stars are deliberately excluded — they're largely self-reported by facilities. Full method.
CMS ratings & staffing
Overall: 5 of 5 Inspections: 4 of 5 Staffing: 4 of 5 Quality measures: 5 of 5
| Total nurse hours / resident-day | 4.48 | 3.48 min · 4.1 strong |
|---|---|---|
| RN hours / resident-day | 1.23 | 0.55–0.75 |
| Weekend hours / resident-day | 3.95 | ≈ weekday level |
| Nursing turnover / year | 52% | median 45% |
| Fines (3-yr window) | 1 · $32,298 |
Inspection citations (31 in the current record)
-
Potential for harm · D December 5, 2025
Prevent the use of unnecessary psychotropic medications or use medications that may restrain a resident's ability to function.
Corrected January 5, 2026 · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation
-
Potential for harm · D December 5, 2025
Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted
Corrected January 5, 2026 · Resident Assessment and Care Planning
-
Potential for harm · D December 5, 2025
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Corrected January 5, 2026 · Quality of Life and Care
-
Potential for harm · D December 5, 2025
Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
Corrected January 5, 2026 · Quality of Life and Care
-
Potential for harm · E December 5, 2025
Provide 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.
Corrected January 5, 2026 · Quality of Life and Care
-
Potential for harm · D December 5, 2025
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Corrected January 5, 2026 · Quality of Life and Care
-
Potential for harm · D December 5, 2025
Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
Corrected January 5, 2026 · Quality of Life and Care
-
Potential for harm · D December 5, 2025
Ensure 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.
Corrected January 5, 2026 · Pharmacy Service
-
Potential for harm · D December 5, 2025
Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.
Corrected January 5, 2026 · Infection Control
-
Potential for harm · D December 5, 2025
Educate 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.
Corrected January 5, 2026 · Infection Control
-
Actual harm · G April 24, 2025 · found via complaint
Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
Corrected May 15, 2025 · Quality of Life and Care
-
Potential for harm · D January 13, 2025 · found via complaint
Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
Corrected January 29, 2025 · Resident Rights
-
Potential for harm · D December 6, 2024
Give the resident's representative the ability to exercise the resident's rights.
Corrected January 3, 2025 · Resident Rights
-
Potential for harm · D December 6, 2024
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Corrected January 3, 2025 · Resident Assessment and Care Planning
-
Potential for harm · D December 6, 2024
Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
Corrected January 3, 2025 · Quality of Life and Care
-
Potential for harm · E December 6, 2024
Ensure the activities program is directed by a qualified professional.
Corrected January 3, 2025 · Quality of Life and Care
-
Potential for harm · E December 6, 2024
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Corrected January 3, 2025 · Quality of Life and Care
-
Potential for harm · D December 6, 2024
Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.
Corrected January 3, 2025 · Quality of Life and Care
-
Actual harm · G September 3, 2024 · found via complaint
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Corrected September 19, 2024 · Quality of Life and Care
-
Potential for harm · D September 3, 2024 · found via complaint
Keep residents' personal and medical records private and confidential.
Corrected September 17, 2024 · Resident Rights
-
Potential for harm · D September 3, 2024 · found via complaint
Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.
Corrected September 19, 2024 · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation
-
Potential for harm · D March 25, 2024 · found via complaint
Honor 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.
Corrected April 9, 2024 · Resident Rights
-
Potential for harm · D January 11, 2024
Assess the resident completely in a timely manner when first admitted, and then periodically, at least every 12 months.
Corrected February 1, 2024 · Resident Assessment and Care Planning
-
Potential for harm · D January 11, 2024
Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
Corrected February 1, 2024 · Resident Assessment and Care Planning
-
Potential for harm · D January 11, 2024
Provide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.
Corrected February 1, 2024 · Quality of Life and Care
Showing the 25 most recent. The Safety Report includes every citation with full findings.
Federal penalties
| Date | Type | Amount / length |
|---|---|---|
| April 24, 2025 | Fine | $32,298 |
Better-scoring options nearby
Family & resident reviews — a separate signal, never mixed into the score
No approved reviews yet. If your family has experience with this facility, yours could be the review that helps the next family decide.
Sign in to share your family's experience — reviews are moderated and never affect the Safety Score.
Source: CMS Care Compare (public domain), data as of June 1, 2026 · CCN 505296 · certified since March 1, 1986. The score is a screen, not a verdict on any one resident's experience — read how it's computed, then visit in person.