nursing home in Bellingham, WA
Avalon Healthcare Bellingham
3121 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham, WA 98225 · (360) 734-6760
★★★★★5
Much above average
CMS overall star rating
CMS overall star rating
- Health inspections★★★★★4
- Staffing★★★★★4
- Quality measures★★★★★5
- CMS high performer
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Medicare Care Compare. We refresh our information from this source. About our data
Avalon Healthcare Bellingham at a glance
Avalon Healthcare Bellingham is a 105-bed for-profit nursing home in Bellingham, Washington (Whatcom County).
CMS gives it 5 out of 5 stars on its overall star rating, better than the Washington average of 3.3.
Residents receive about 4.5 hours of nursing care per day (1.2 of them from registered nurses), close to the state average of 4.4 hours.
Its most recent standard health inspection (December 5, 2025) found 10 health citations. The Washington average is 15.8.
Federal regulators fined it 1 time in the past three years, totaling $32,298.
Nursing staff turnover is 52.3% per year (state average 45.1%).
Facility details
- Type
- Nursing home
- Ownership
- For Profit - Corporation
- Beds
- 105
- Certified for
- Medicare and Medicaid
- Chain / affiliated entity
- Avalon Health Care
- Medicare-certified since
- March 1, 1986
- Resident/family council
- Resident
- County
- Whatcom County
- CMS Certification Number
- 505296
Ratings
| Measure | This facility | Washington avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall star rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 5 / 5 | 3.3 / 5 | 3 / 5 | Better |
| Health inspection rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 4 / 5 | 2.8 / 5 | 2.8 / 5 | Better |
| Staffing rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 4 / 5 | 3.6 / 5 | 2.9 / 5 | Better |
| Quality measures rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 5 / 5 | 4 / 5 | 3.6 / 5 | Better |
| Long-stay quality rating (higher is better) | 5 / 5 | 4.1 / 5 | 3.8 / 5 | Better |
| Short-stay (rehab) quality rating (higher is better) | 5 / 5 | 3.9 / 5 | 3.3 / 5 | Better |
Staffing
| Measure | This facility | Washington avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total nurse staff hours per resident per day ⓘ (higher is better) | 4.50 hrs | 4.36 hrs | 3.86 hrs | Better |
| Registered nurse hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 1.21 hrs | 0.94 hrs | 0.69 hrs | Better |
| Nurse aide hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 2.50 hrs | 2.66 hrs | 2.32 hrs | Better |
| Weekend nurse staff hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 3.84 hrs | 3.80 hrs | 3.42 hrs | Better |
| Nursing staff turnover (yearly) (lower is better) | 52.3% | 45.1% | 45.8% | Worse |
| Registered nurse turnover (yearly) (lower is better) | 41.2% | 45.4% | 42.9% | Average |
| Administrators who left in the past year (lower is better) | 0 | 1 | 1 | Better |
Inspections
| Measure | This facility | Washington avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health citations in the most recent inspection (lower is better) | 10 | 16 | 9 | Worse |
| Citations from complaint investigations (latest cycle) (lower is better) | 0 | 4 | 3 | Better |
| Weighted health inspection score ⓘ (lower is better) | 56 | 116.6 | 80.6 | Better |
Penalties
| Measure | This facility | Washington avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fines in the past 3 years (lower is better) | 1 | 1 | 1 | Worse |
| Total fines in the past 3 years (lower is better) | $32,298 | $52,633 | $30,972 | Average |
| All federal penalties in the past 3 years (lower is better) | 1 | 1 | 1 | Average |
Size
| Measure | This facility | Washington avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified beds | 105 | 97 | 107 | |
| Average residents per day | 66 | 76 | 86 | |
| Occupancy | 63.2% | 79.4% | 80.9% |
Long-stay residents
| Measure | This facility | Washington avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long-stay residents with a fall causing major injury (lower is better) | 3.9% | 2.6% | 3.2% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents with pressure ulcers (lower is better) | 1.6% | 4.3% | 4.6% | Better |
| Long-stay residents given antipsychotic medication (lower is better) | 5.9% | 15.1% | 15.4% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection (lower is better) | 0% | 1.6% | 1.6% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with a catheter left in the bladder (lower is better) | 0% | 1% | 0.8% | Better |
| Long-stay residents needing more help with daily activities (lower is better) | 15.2% | 14.2% | 13.9% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents whose walking worsened (lower is better) | 26% | 17.2% | 14.1% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents who lose too much weight (lower is better) | 1.8% | 5.5% | 5.2% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with depressive symptoms (lower is better) | 36.3% | 17.7% | 12.8% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents who were physically restrained (lower is better) | 0% | 0.1% | 0.1% | Better |
| Long-stay residents given anti-anxiety or sleep medication (lower is better) | 14.8% | 12.4% | 19.5% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with new or worse incontinence (lower is better) | 26.7% | 22.5% | 19% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents given a flu vaccine (higher is better) | 100% | 93.8% | 95.5% | Average |
| Long-stay residents given a pneumonia vaccine (higher is better) | 100% | 96% | 93.6% | Better |
Short-stay residents
| Measure | This facility | Washington avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short-stay residents newly given antipsychotic medication (lower is better) | 0% | 1.3% | 1.6% | Better |
| Short-stay residents given a flu vaccine (higher is better) | 98% | 82% | 79.8% | Better |
| Short-stay residents given a pneumonia vaccine (higher is better) | 97% | 88.3% | 82% | Better |
Inspection citations
State inspectors cited this home for 29 health deficiencies and 14 fire safety deficiencies in the inspection records CMS currently publishes. 2 citations involved actual harm.
| Date | Citation | Severity | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 5, 2025 Fire safety | Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0321 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected December 31, 2025 |
| December 5, 2025 Fire safety | Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0353 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected December 31, 2025 |
| December 5, 2025 Fire safety | Properly select, install, inspect, or maintain portable fire extinguishes. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0355 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected December 31, 2025 |
| December 5, 2025 Fire safety | Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0920 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected December 31, 2025 |
| December 5, 2025 Fire safety | Ensure smoke barriers are constructed to a 1 hour fire resistance rating. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0372 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected December 31, 2025 |
| December 5, 2025 Standard | 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. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0688 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected January 5, 2026 |
| December 5, 2025 Standard | Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 5, 2026 |
| December 5, 2025 Standard | Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0684 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 5, 2026 |
| December 5, 2025 Standard | Prevent the use of unnecessary psychotropic medications or use medications that may restrain a resident's ability to function. Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0605 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 5, 2026 |
| December 5, 2025 Standard | Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations. Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0883 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 5, 2026 |
| December 5, 2025 Standard | 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. Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0761 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 5, 2026 |
| December 5, 2025 Standard | Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0695 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 5, 2026 |
| December 5, 2025 Standard | 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. Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0887 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 5, 2026 |
| December 5, 2025 Standard | Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0686 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 5, 2026 |
| December 5, 2025 Standard | Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0655 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 5, 2026 |
| April 24, 2025 Complaint | Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0686 | G Actual harm, isolated | Corrected May 15, 2025 |
| January 13, 2025 Complaint | Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0580 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 29, 2025 |
| December 6, 2024 Fire safety | Properly select, install, inspect, or maintain portable fire extinguishes. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0355 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected January 16, 2025 |
| December 6, 2024 Fire safety | Establish policies and procedures including evacuation. Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies · Tag E0020 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected January 16, 2025 |
| December 6, 2024 Fire safety | Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0353 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected January 16, 2025 |
| December 6, 2024 Fire safety | Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0918 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected January 16, 2025 |
| December 6, 2024 Fire safety | Install smoke barrier doors that can resist smoke for at least 20 minutes. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0374 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected January 16, 2025 |
| December 6, 2024 Fire safety | Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0920 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 16, 2025 |
| December 6, 2024 Standard | Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0684 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected January 3, 2025 |
| December 6, 2024 Standard | Ensure the activities program is directed by a qualified professional. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0680 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected January 3, 2025 |
| December 6, 2024 Standard | Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0690 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 3, 2025 |
| December 6, 2024 Standard | Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0677 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 3, 2025 |
| December 6, 2024 Standard | Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0656 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 3, 2025 |
| December 6, 2024 Standard | Give the resident's representative the ability to exercise the resident's rights. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0551 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 3, 2025 |
| September 3, 2024 Complaint | Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689 | G Actual harm, isolated | Corrected September 19, 2024 |
| September 3, 2024 Complaint | Keep residents' personal and medical records private and confidential. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0583 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected September 17, 2024 |
| September 3, 2024 Complaint | Respond appropriately to all alleged violations. Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0610 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected September 19, 2024 |
| March 25, 2024 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. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0584 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected April 9, 2024 |
| January 11, 2024 Fire safety | Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0353 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected February 14, 2024 |
| January 11, 2024 Fire safety | Provide properly protected cooking facilities. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0324 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected February 12, 2024 |
| January 11, 2024 Fire safety | Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0345 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected February 12, 2024 |
| January 11, 2024 Standard | Designate a qualified infection preventionist to be responsible for the infection prevent and control program in the nursing home. Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0882 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected February 1, 2024 |
| January 11, 2024 Complaint | Let each resident or the resident's legal representative access or purchase copies of all the resident's records. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0573 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected February 1, 2024 |
| January 11, 2024 Standard | Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0658 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected February 1, 2024 |
| January 11, 2024 Standard | Assess the resident completely in a timely manner when first admitted, and then periodically, at least every 12 months. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0636 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected February 1, 2024 |
| January 11, 2024 Standard | Ensure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs. Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0757 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected February 1, 2024 |
| January 11, 2024 Standard | Provide or get specialized rehabilitative services as required for a resident. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0825 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected February 1, 2024 |
| January 11, 2024 Standard | Provide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0697 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected February 1, 2024 |
Severity letters follow the CMS scope-and-severity grid: A–C no actual harm with 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. How to read inspection citations.
Fines and payment denials
CMS reports 1 federal penalty in the past three years, including $32,298 in fines.
| Date | Penalty | Amount / length |
|---|---|---|
| April 24, 2025 | Fine | $32,298 |
Owners and managers
Individuals and organizations reported to CMS as owning or operating this nursing home.
| Name | Role | Share | Since |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVALON HEALTH CARE INC Organization | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 08/01/2024 |
| AVALON HEALTH CARE MANAGEMENT INC Organization | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 03/30/2026 |
| AVALON HOLDCO EQUITIES, L.L.C. Organization | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 04/15/2026 |
| AVALON HOLDING INC Organization | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 08/01/2024 |
| AVALON REAL ESTATE LLC Organization | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 03/17/2025 |
| HASH, ALAN Individual | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 08/01/2024 |
| HYRUM A KIRTON INDIVIDUAL TR Organization | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 10/01/2025 |
| JOHNSON, ALLEN Individual | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 06/10/2025 |
| KIRTON, BYRON Individual | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 10/01/2025 |
| KIRTON, HYRUM Individual | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 08/01/2024 |
| KIRTON, SPENCER Individual | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 10/01/2025 |
| K-TEAM LLC Organization | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 10/01/2025 |
| NELSON, MELISSA Individual | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 06/10/2025 |
| PEACEHEALTH Organization | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 03/17/2025 |
| SPENCER K KIRTON INDIVIDUAL TR Organization | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 10/01/2025 |
| THE BYRON A KIRTON INDIVIDUAL TR Organization | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 10/01/2025 |
| AVALON HOLDCO EQUITIES, L.L.C. Organization | direct ownership interest | NOT APPLICABLE | 04/15/2026 |
| AVALON HEALTH CARE INC Organization | indirect ownership interest | NOT APPLICABLE | 03/17/2025 |
| AVALON HOLDING INC Organization | indirect ownership interest | NOT APPLICABLE | 04/15/2026 |
| HYRUM A KIRTON INDIVIDUAL TR Organization | indirect ownership interest | NOT APPLICABLE | 10/01/2025 |
| KIRTON, BYRON Individual | indirect ownership interest | NOT APPLICABLE | 10/01/2025 |
| KIRTON, HYRUM Individual | indirect ownership interest | NOT APPLICABLE | 10/01/2025 |
| KIRTON, SPENCER Individual | indirect ownership interest | NOT APPLICABLE | 10/01/2025 |
| K-TEAM LLC Organization | indirect ownership interest | NOT APPLICABLE | 10/01/2025 |
| SPENCER K KIRTON INDIVIDUAL TR Organization | indirect ownership interest | NOT APPLICABLE | 10/01/2025 |
| THE BYRON A KIRTON INDIVIDUAL TR Organization | indirect ownership interest | NOT APPLICABLE | 10/01/2025 |
| DANGERFIELD, DAVID Individual | managing control - governing body | NOT APPLICABLE | 03/17/2025 |
| KIRTON, BYRON Individual | managing control - governing body | NOT APPLICABLE | 03/17/2025 |
| KIRTON, HYRUM Individual | managing control - governing body | NOT APPLICABLE | 03/17/2025 |
| KIRTON, SPENCER Individual | managing control - governing body | NOT APPLICABLE | 03/17/2025 |
| WOLTIL, ROBERT Individual | managing control - governing body | NOT APPLICABLE | 03/17/2025 |
| AVALON HEALTH CARE MANAGEMENT INC Organization | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 08/01/2024 |
| AVALON HOLDING INC Organization | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 03/17/2025 |
| HASH, ALAN Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 08/01/2024 |
| JOHNSON, ALLEN Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 03/17/2025 |
| KIRTON, HYRUM Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 08/01/2024 |
| NELSON, MELISSA Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 03/17/2025 |
Other nursing homes near Avalon Healthcare Bellingham
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★★★★★5Much above averageRock Hill Health & Rehabilitation
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★★★★★2Below averageNorth Cascades Health and Rehabilitation
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- Abuse citation
★★★★★2Below averageMt Baker Care Center
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- CMS high performer
★★★★★5Much above averageHighland Health and Rehabilitation of Cascadia
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★★★★★3Average- ★★★★★5Much above average
Frequently asked questions
What is Avalon Healthcare Bellingham's rating?
Avalon Healthcare Bellingham has 5 out of 5 stars on the CMS overall star rating. The average for Washington nursing homes is 3.3 stars.
How many inspection citations did Avalon Healthcare Bellingham receive?
Its most recent standard health inspection found 10 citations, compared with a Washington average of 15.8. Every citation is listed on this page with its severity.
Does Avalon Healthcare Bellingham accept Medicare and Medicaid?
CMS lists it as certified for: Medicare and Medicaid. Call the facility to confirm bed availability and whether it accepts your specific plan.
Who owns Avalon Healthcare Bellingham?
It is for profit - corporation and part of Avalon Health Care. The ownership section on this page lists the owners and managers reported to CMS.
Where is Avalon Healthcare Bellingham and how do I contact it?
Avalon Healthcare Bellingham is at 3121 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham, WA 98225. Phone: (360) 734-6760.
About this data
Ratings and measures come from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Medicare Care Compare. They're based on state inspections, patient surveys and facility reports, and they describe the past. Facilities change, so visit in person and confirm details directly. About our data · Spotted an error? Let us know.