Avalon Healthcare - Bellingham

St. Francis of Bellingham is a medium-sized nursing facility in Bellingham, Washington, that offers both short-term rehabilitation and long-term care services. This facility accommodates up to 105 residents and operates under for-profit, corporate ownership. St. Francis of Bellingham is not part of a continuing care retirement community but does participate in both Medicare and Medicaid programs, ensuring a range of payment and insurance options for prospective residents and their families. It specializes in providing care to patients who require assistance with daily medical needs, including medication administration and personal care, as well as individuals recovering from recent hospitalizations due to stroke, heart attack, infection, or accidental injury.

The care home has a reputation for offering an average standard of both short-term and long-term care, as indicated by recent performance ratings. Short-term rehabilitation services are designed to facilitate recovery and improve the likelihood of residents returning home following their stay, with approximately 42.3% of discharged residents achieving this goal. During these stays, residents receive an average of 5 hours and 6 minutes of nurse staffing per day, encompassing a range of supportive and rehabilitative services tailored to their condition and care requirements. Long-term care at St. Francis of Bellingham focuses on maintaining the residents’ physical abilities and independence, with nearly 80% of long-term residents able to continue important daily activities such as moving, eating, and using the bathroom on their own.

Safety and preventive care are important aspects of life at St. Francis of Bellingham. An impressive 99.6% of residents have received annual influenza vaccinations, underlining the facility’s commitment to preventive health practices. The care environment is attentive to the risks common to eldercare, and the facility closely monitors issues such as infections that require hospitalization, ensuring that responses are timely and effective. The facility is also evaluated on its ability to minimize emergency room visits for its residents, and thorough efforts are made to keep these incidents as low as possible.

St. Francis of Bellingham regularly undergoes inspections related to health, fire, and safety to ensure a supportive and comfortable living environment. While some cited deficiencies in the past have addressed concerns such as maintaining a clean and homelike atmosphere, timely resident assessments, correct medication management, infection control, and pain management, these were generally classified as posing low potential for harm and have since been rectified. Ongoing attention is paid to maintaining professional standards and designating qualified staff, such as infection preventionists, to oversee the health and well-being of the residents.

In terms of staffing, residents at St. Francis of Bellingham benefit from consistent nurse availability throughout the week, although weekend staffing levels have at times fallen below weekday levels. The administration emphasizes comprehensive daily support, which includes aiding residents with routine activities to maximize their independence and quality of life. Additionally, the facility is equipped to provide or obtain specialized rehabilitative services when required, ensuring a continuum of care for those with more complex needs.

Overall, St. Francis of Bellingham offers a blend of rehabilitative, long-term, and skilled nursing services to adults who can benefit from personalized care plans and a supportive, vigilant nursing staff. With participation in federal insurance programs and a focus on both clinical and everyday needs, the care home stands as an option for families seeking a balance between medical oversight and an encouraging, resident-centered environment.