Resources for Lynden and Whatcom County Elders
As trusted long-term care providers, Christian Health Care Center is often called upon to share advice, tips and resources with patients, their loved ones and other medical professionals in the community. We have developed a toolbox of helpful links to assist those making healthcare decisions – information is presented in the following categories:
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Selecting a long-term care facility
Tips for selecting a care facility
- How to Choose a Nursing Home: There are many things to consider when choosing a skilled nursing facility for a spouse, parent, grandparent or even a friend/neighbor. Here are 5 tips to keep in mind as you navigate through the process.
- Nursing Home Checklist: Keep this printable checklist handy as you are considering long-term care options. It will remind you to ask about social and therapy activities available on-site, learn about insurance and billing options and more.
- Nursing Home Checklist–Choosing the Right Nursing Home: Explore 10 questions you should ask before moving your parents or loved one into a new long-term care facility.
- Your Guide to Choosing a Nursing Home or Other Long‑Term Care: This official government booklet explains how to find and compare nursing homes and other long-term care options, how to pay for nursing home care and your rights as a nursing home resident.
Contact social services to schedule a tour of our facility. Phone: 360-354-4434.
Senior resources
County and state resources available to senior citizens
- Community Resources Directory: Opportunity Council’s site for support services and free and low-cost community resources for all ages.
- Northwest Regional Council: Implement state and federal programs for seniors and people who need long-term care.
- SHIBA (Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisers): Expert and impartial senior health insurance counselors. SHIBA services are free.
- Washington Law Help: Legal assistance on elder law, Medicaid, Medicare, etc.
- Washington State Department of Social and Health Services: Proving help to those qualifying for financial assistance.
- Washington State Department of Licensing: Disabled parking permits
- Washington State Department of Veteran’s Affairs: Provides a variety of benefits, services and programs to those who have served our country.
- Whatcom County Assessor: Provides property tax relief to qualifying seniors in Whatcom County.
- Whatcom County Council on Aging: Information on local senior centers, meals, etc.
- Whatcom Hospice: Whatcom Hospice partners with CHCC to provide comfort and preserve dignity for our patients and their loved ones at the end of life.
- Whatcom Transit Authority: Curb-to-curb transportation to people who are unable to ride fixed route buses due to a mental or physical disability. Riders must first meet eligibility standards based on Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
National resources
- American Association of Retired Persons (AARP): A non-profit, non-partisan membership organization that helps people 50 and over improve the quality of their lives.
- Alliance for Aging: Links to educational topics like: legal resources, senior health in the news, aging statistics and more.
- Meals on Wheels America: Provides free meals to seniors at congregate locations like senior centers. Some programs also deliver meals directly to the homes of seniors whose mobility is limited.
- Medicare: Sign up for benefits or change your coverage, link to additional senior resources, learn about preventative health services and more.
- National Council on Aging Benefits Check Up: This website helps seniors find out what benefits they qualify for or apply for additional help.
- Social Security: A place to learn about retirement or social security benefits.
Resident Council
Once a month at Christian Health Care Center, a group of residents gather to discuss how life is going for the center’s long-term residents.
Resident council meetings are run by members of a resident leadership team, who are voted on by other individuals who live full-time at CHCC. Officers are the president, vice president and board advisers.
All residents are invited to attend each meeting, as are the heads of the dietary, environmental services, administrative, social services and therapeutic recreation departments. Meetings typically consist of updates from each of the department heads on various projects and changes, such as new staff, new policies, new menu items, new activities and so on.
Learn more about the council in this article.
Advocacy Resources
Aging and Disability Resources
Phone: 360-738-2500 / 800-585-6749
600 Lakeway Drive
Bellingham, WA 98225
Email: ADRCwhatcom@dshs.wa.gov
Supports the independence, dignity, and health of older adults (60+) and people with disabilities. Services are free to individuals and to those who advocate on their behalf.
Home and Community Services – DSHS/ALTSA/HCS
Phone: 360-812-4940
2219 Rimland Dr Suite 419
Bellingham, WA 98226
Email: shannon.huso@dshs.wa.gov
Assists persons with disabilities and the elderly who need state funds to help pay for care.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Phone: 800-562-6028
PO Box 23699
Federal Way, WA 98093-0699
Email: ltcop@mschelps.org
Protects and promotes the rights of residents in nursing homes; helps resolve complaints.
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
Help Line
Phone: 800-950-NAMI (6264)/ (360)671-4950
P.O. Box 5571
Bellingham, WA 98227
Email: namiadmin@namiwhatcom.org
Educates, advocates and provides support to local individuals affected by mental illness.
Northwest Regional Council
Phone: 360-676-6749 / 800-585-6749
600 Lakeway Drive
Bellingham, WA 98225
Email: ADRCwhatcom@dshs.wa.gov
Implements state and federal programs for seniors and those needing long-term care. Programs: Meals on Wheels, Respite Care, Adult Day Services, Family Caregiver Support.