I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Bellingham, WA
Bellingham is a coastal city that’s been rated as one of the best places to retire by AARP. It’s home to 92,289 people, and almost 16% of them are seniors aged 65 and up. This city offers beautiful natural scenery and easy access to top-rated health care providers, including PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center, which was ranked as high performing in several categories by U.S. News and World Report. Although the cost of living in Bellingham is a bit higher than average, you may pay less for utilities, transportation and housing than those in other cities.
Bellingham’s climate is fairly comfortable for much of the year. Summer temperatures average around 72 degrees in July. Winters can be cold, but the city only gets 9 inches of snow annually compared to the U.S. average of 28 inches. Bellingham seniors may also gain peace of mind thanks to the city’s low rate of violent crime. This rate is below Washington’s average, which can help retirees feel safe throughout the city and at home.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Bellingham, WA
According to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the average cost of home care in Bellingham is $6,483 per month. Prices are the same for home health care although it includes medical services, such as skilled nursing, physical therapy, medication administration and help managing chronic medical conditions. Rates are based on an average of 44 hours of care per week, so home care in Bellingham will cost you approximately $34 per hour.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
You can expect to pay an average of $6,483 per month for home care and home health care in Bellingham, which is lower than the average for Washington as a whole ($6,547 for home care and $6,578 for home health care). Compared to the national average, Bellingham’s prices are $1,526 and $1,335 higher, respectively. Still, local rates are lower than some other Washington cities. Mount Vernon residents pay $7,245 for both kinds of care, and in Seattle, home care and home health care cost $6,769. Longview is slightly cheaper with an average of $6,054.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
In Bellingham, retirees pay an average of $6,483 for home care and home health care. Assisted living, which provides personal care, housekeeping and meals in a community setting, costs $4,600 per month. Rates for adult day care in Bellingham are unavailable, but this is usually the least expensive type of care. Nursing home care is the most expensive choice. In Bellingham, a semiprivate room will cost you about $9,277.
III. How to Find Home Care in Bellingham, WA
Finding a home care provider for yourself or a loved one can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Below, we explain the process of how to find a home care provider in 5 simple steps. Use the infographic below to help guide your search for in-home care in Bellingham, WA.
IV. Home Care Resources for Seniors in Bellingham, WA
Meals on Wheels
What You Should Know
Meals on Wheels provides free and reduced-cost home meal deliveries for seniors in Bellingham. Participants can select from a menu of more than 30 healthy meals. The program also has options for seniors with special dietary needs, such as low sodium, cholesterol, fat and easy to chew. Meals are delivered once per week, and seniors can request up to seven meals per delivery.
Who Is Eligible?
To receive Meals on Wheels, participants must be 60+, unable to grocery shop or prepare their own meals and be considered homebound, which means they are unable to leave home without assistance. Spouses, domestic partners and unpaid caregivers of qualifying seniors are also eligible to receive meals. There are no income restrictions or financial requirements to participate in this program.
How to Get Started
You can sign up for Meals on Wheels by filling out the online application form. An assessor will contact you shortly to let you know if you’re eligible. If you want to find out more about the program, call (360) 746-6480.
Bellingham At Home
What You Should Know
This program provides a variety of home care services for older Bellingham residents. Seniors can get help with errands, transportation, housekeeping and other nonmedical needs. The program also includes check-in phone calls to prevent loneliness and keep seniors socially engaged. Although there’s an annual fee for the program, Bellingham At Home offers reduced-cost memberships for seniors with limited financial means.
Who Is Eligible?
Membership is open to any Bellingham resident aged 60+ who needs help around the home.
How to Get Started
You can find out more about the program by calling (360) 746-3462. To get started with Bellingham At Home, download, print and complete the application form. Mail your application to 315 Halleck Street, Bellingham, WA 98225.
Opportunity Council
What You Should Know
The Opportunity Council is a nonprofit agency offering a number of free services for seniors in Whatcom County. Services include utility bill payment assistance, home repairs and weatherization, which includes insulation, heating repairs, air sealing to prevent drafts and other improvements to make your home more energy-efficient. Qualifying seniors may be able to request safety-related home modifications, such as wheelchair ramps and bathroom handrails to help prevent slips and falls. Staff can also help seniors apply for public benefits, such as Medicaid, SNAP (food stamps) and rental assistance.
Who Is Eligible?
Several Opportunity Council services are offered to any senior aged 60 and up, while others, such as rent and bill payment assistance, have income requirements. Generally, your household income must be at or below 80% of the area median to qualify although requirements vary by program.
How to Get Started
If you’d like to learn more about these services and see if you’re eligible, call the Opportunity Council at (800) 833-6384 or email [email protected]. You can find eligibility information for each program on the Opportunity Council website.
Whatcom County Senior Property Tax Exemption
What You Should Know
Senior citizens and people with disabilities may be eligible for an exemption that lowers the total property tax due on their primary residence. The county also offers a payment deferral program that postpones the payment of property taxes. Additionally, if you make physical improvements to your home, you may qualify for a three-year tax exemption on the value of the improvement.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for the senior tax exemption, you must be at least 61 years old or unable to work due to a disability. Veterans with a service-connected disability also qualify. You must also own and live in the home for which you are requesting the exemption. The exemption has household and disposable income requirements that you’ll need to meet.
How to Get Started
For questions, contact the Whatcom County Tax Assessor at (360) 778-5050, or email [email protected].
Law Advocates of Whatcom County
What You Should Know
This organization provides free legal aid to low-income residents of Whatcom County. It can assist with housing, age discrimination, debt collection, wills, power of attorney documents and other civil legal matters. The organization is unable to help with criminal cases, contingency-fee cases, workers’ compensation or torts. You can speak with an attorney for free on the phone and, if necessary, you will be referred for further legal assistance.
Who Is Eligible?
Whatcom County residents of any age may be eligible for legal services if they meet certain income requirements. These requirements can vary depending on the type of help you need.
How to Get Started
Law Advocates of Whatcom County maintains a dedicated helpline for seniors aged 60+. If you need legal assistance, call the senior helpline at (888) 387-7111. You can also call the general intake line at (888) 201-1014. Both lines take calls Monday through Friday from 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.