nursing home in Bellingham, WA
Mt Baker Care Center
2905 Connelly Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98225 · (360) 734-4181
★★★★★5
Much above average
CMS overall star rating
CMS overall star rating
- Health inspections★★★★★5
- Staffing★★★★★5
- 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
Mt Baker Care Center at a glance
Mt Baker Care Center is a 70-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 5 hours of nursing care per day (1.3 of them from registered nurses), better than the state average of 4.4 hours.
Its most recent standard health inspection (July 2, 2025) found 7 health citations. The Washington average is 15.8.
It has not received a federal fine in the past three years.
Nursing staff turnover is 41% per year (state average 45.1%).
Facility details
- Type
- Nursing home
- Ownership
- For Profit - Limited Liability Company
- Beds
- 70
- Certified for
- Medicare and Medicaid
- Chain / affiliated entity
- Regency Pacific Management
- Medicare-certified since
- April 1, 1991
- Resident/family council
- Resident
- County
- Whatcom County
- CMS Certification Number
- 505376
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) | 5 / 5 | 2.8 / 5 | 2.8 / 5 | Better |
| Staffing rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 5 / 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) | 5.00 hrs | 4.36 hrs | 3.86 hrs | Better |
| Registered nurse hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 1.30 hrs | 0.94 hrs | 0.69 hrs | Better |
| Nurse aide hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 3.02 hrs | 2.66 hrs | 2.32 hrs | Better |
| Weekend nurse staff hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 4.41 hrs | 3.80 hrs | 3.42 hrs | Better |
| Nursing staff turnover (yearly) (lower is better) | 41% | 45.1% | 45.8% | Better |
| Registered nurse turnover (yearly) (lower is better) | 22.2% | 45.4% | 42.9% | Better |
| 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) | 7 | 16 | 9 | Better |
| Citations from complaint investigations (latest cycle) (lower is better) | 2 | 4 | 3 | Better |
| Weighted health inspection score ⓘ (lower is better) | 30 | 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) | 0 | 1 | 1 | Better |
| Total fines in the past 3 years (lower is better) | $0 | $52,633 | $30,972 | Better |
| All federal penalties in the past 3 years (lower is better) | 0 | 1 | 1 | Better |
Size
| Measure | This facility | Washington avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified beds | 70 | 97 | 107 | |
| Average residents per day | 57 | 76 | 86 | |
| Occupancy | 80.9% | 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) | 9.6% | 2.6% | 3.2% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents with pressure ulcers (lower is better) | 1.5% | 4.3% | 4.6% | Better |
| Long-stay residents given antipsychotic medication (lower is better) | 22.2% | 15.1% | 15.4% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection (lower is better) | 1.3% | 1.6% | 1.6% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with a catheter left in the bladder (lower is better) | 0.5% | 1% | 0.8% | Better |
| Long-stay residents needing more help with daily activities (lower is better) | 11.4% | 14.2% | 13.9% | Better |
| Long-stay residents whose walking worsened (lower is better) | 15.2% | 17.2% | 14.1% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents who lose too much weight (lower is better) | 0% | 5.5% | 5.2% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with depressive symptoms (lower is better) | 40% | 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) | 9.2% | 12.4% | 19.5% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with new or worse incontinence (lower is better) | 29% | 22.5% | 19% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents given a flu vaccine (higher is better) | 97.6% | 93.8% | 95.5% | Average |
| Long-stay residents given a pneumonia vaccine (higher is better) | 98.7% | 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) | 96.9% | 82% | 79.8% | Better |
| Short-stay residents given a pneumonia vaccine (higher is better) | 99.4% | 88.3% | 82% | Better |
Inspection citations
State inspectors cited this home for 20 health deficiencies and 23 fire safety deficiencies in the inspection records CMS currently publishes. None were rated as causing actual harm to residents.
| Date | Citation | Severity | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 12, 2026 Complaint | Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities. Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0609 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected June 24, 2026 |
| January 7, 2026 Complaint | 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 February 20, 2026 |
| July 2, 2025 Fire safety | Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0345 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected July 31, 2025 |
| July 2, 2025 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 July 31, 2025 |
| July 2, 2025 Fire safety | Properly select, install, inspect, or maintain portable fire extinguishes. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0355 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected July 31, 2025 |
| July 2, 2025 Fire safety | Install smoke barrier doors that can resist smoke for at least 20 minutes. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0374 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected July 31, 2025 |
| July 2, 2025 Fire safety | Ensure smoke barriers are constructed to a 1 hour fire resistance rating. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0372 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected July 31, 2025 |
| July 2, 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 July 31, 2025 |
| July 2, 2025 Standard | Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected July 31, 2025 |
| July 2, 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 July 31, 2025 |
| July 2, 2025 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 July 31, 2025 |
| July 2, 2025 Standard | Ensure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs. Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0757 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected July 31, 2025 |
| April 12, 2024 Fire safety | Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0353 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected May 8, 2024 |
| April 12, 2024 Fire safety | Have properly installed electrical wiring and gas equipment. Services Deficiencies · Tag K0511 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected May 8, 2024 |
| April 12, 2024 Fire safety | Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0920 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected May 8, 2024 |
| April 12, 2024 Fire safety | Install an approved automatic sprinkler system. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0351 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected May 8, 2024 |
| April 12, 2024 Fire safety | Have restrictions on the use of flammable curtains. Miscellaneous Deficiencies · Tag K0751 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected May 8, 2024 |
| April 12, 2024 Fire safety | Install a fire alarm system that can be heard throughout the facility. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0341 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected May 8, 2024 |
| April 12, 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 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected May 10, 2024 |
| April 12, 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 May 10, 2024 |
| April 12, 2024 Standard | Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0692 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected May 10, 2024 |
| April 12, 2024 Standard | Assess the resident when there is a significant change in condition Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0637 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected May 10, 2024 |
| April 12, 2024 Standard | Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected May 10, 2024 |
| April 12, 2024 Standard | Provide care or services that was trauma informed and/or culturally competent. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0699 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected May 10, 2024 |
| April 3, 2024 Complaint | Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors. Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0760 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected May 1, 2024 |
| March 4, 2024 Complaint | 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 April 7, 2024 |
| January 7, 2023 Fire safety | Conduct risk assessment and an All-Hazards approach. Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies · Tag E0006 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected February 1, 2023 |
| January 7, 2023 Fire safety | Ensure that testing and maintenance of electrical equipment is performed. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0921 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected February 3, 2023 |
| January 7, 2023 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 February 3, 2023 |
| January 7, 2023 Fire safety | Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0345 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected February 3, 2023 |
| January 7, 2023 Fire safety | Install a fire alarm system that can be heard throughout the facility. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0341 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected February 3, 2023 |
| January 7, 2023 Fire safety | Provide primary/alternate means for communication. Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies · Tag E0032 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected February 1, 2023 |
| January 7, 2023 Fire safety | Develop a communication plan. Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies · Tag E0029 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected February 1, 2023 |
| January 7, 2023 Fire safety | Establish policies and procedures for volunteers. Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies · Tag E0024 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected February 1, 2023 |
| January 7, 2023 Fire safety | Develop Emergency Preparedness policies and procedures. Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies · Tag E0013 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected February 1, 2023 |
| January 7, 2023 Fire safety | Develop and maintain an Emergency Preparedness Program (EP). Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies · Tag E0004 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected February 1, 2023 |
| January 7, 2023 Fire safety | Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0920 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected February 3, 2023 |
| January 7, 2023 Fire safety | Have properly installed electrical wiring and gas equipment. Services Deficiencies · Tag K0511 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected February 3, 2023 |
| January 7, 2023 Standard | Employ sufficient staff with the appropriate competencies and skills sets to carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service, including a qualified dietician. Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0801 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected February 15, 2023 |
| January 7, 2023 Standard | Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards. Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0812 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected February 15, 2023 |
| January 7, 2023 Standard | Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors. Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0760 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected February 15, 2023 |
| January 7, 2023 Standard | Provide or obtain dental services for each resident. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0791 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected February 15, 2023 |
| January 7, 2023 Standard | Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0641 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected February 15, 2023 |
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 no federal fines or payment denials in the past three years.
Owners and managers
Individuals and organizations reported to CMS as owning or operating this nursing home.
| Name | Role | Share | Since |
|---|---|---|---|
| MERL INC Organization | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 12/01/2014 |
| NIGHTINGALE HEALTHCARE LLC. Organization | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 07/03/2025 |
| PREMERE REHAB LLC Organization | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/01/2023 |
| REIS-ELBARA, CATHERINE Individual | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 04/01/2014 |
| SEKERAMAYI, FLOYD Individual | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/01/2025 |
| THOMAS, CATHERINE Individual | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 07/02/2018 |
| CLAY, JAMES Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 11/11/2003 |
| CLAY, JAMES Individual | direct ownership interest | NOT APPLICABLE | 07/28/1998 |
| DAVIS, ODITA Individual | direct ownership interest | NOT APPLICABLE | 07/28/1998 |
| NIGHTINGALE HEALTHCARE LLC. Organization | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 12/01/2012 |
| REIS-ELBARA, CATHERINE Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 04/01/2014 |
| SEKERAMAYI, FLOYD Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/01/2025 |
Other nursing homes near Mt Baker Care Center
Highland Health and Rehabilitation of Cascadia
2400 Samish Way, Bellingham, WA 98229 · under 1 mi
For-profit · 44 beds · Part of Cascadia Healthcare
★★★★★3AverageRock Hill Health & Rehabilitation
1530 James Street, Bellingham, WA 98225 · 2.6 mi
For-profit · 52 beds
★★★★★2Below averageAvalon Healthcare Bellingham
3121 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham, WA 98225 · 4.1 mi
For-profit · 105 beds · Part of Avalon Health Care
- CMS high performer
★★★★★5Much above averageAlderwood Park Health and Rehab of Cascadia
2726 Alderwood Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98225 · 4.7 mi
For-profit · 102 beds · Part of Cascadia Healthcare
- CMS high performer
★★★★★5Much above averageNorth Cascades Health and Rehabilitation
4680 Cordata Parkway, Bellingham, WA 98226 · 6.9 mi
For-profit · 122 beds · Part of Evergreen Healthcare Group
- Abuse citation
★★★★★2Below averageSoundview Rehabilitation and Health Care INC
1105 27th Street, Anacortes, WA 98221 · 15.8 mi
For-profit · 44 beds
★★★★★2Below average
Frequently asked questions
What is Mt Baker Care Center's rating?
Mt Baker Care Center 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 Mt Baker Care Center receive?
Its most recent standard health inspection found 7 citations, compared with a Washington average of 15.8. Every citation is listed on this page with its severity.
Does Mt Baker Care Center 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 Mt Baker Care Center?
It is for profit - limited liability company and part of Regency Pacific Management. The ownership section on this page lists the owners and managers reported to CMS.
Where is Mt Baker Care Center and how do I contact it?
Mt Baker Care Center is at 2905 Connelly Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98225. Phone: (360) 734-4181.
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.