Senior Transportation in Federal Way, WA

Local figures

Senior Transportation in Federal Way, WA: the local picture

6.3%

of households have no vehicle (11% in King County)

1.4 mi

to the nearest hospital with an emergency department (Federal Way)

14,965

residents 65 or older (15% of Federal Way)

34%

of residents 65+ report a disability (30% in King County)

About 2,255 Federal Way households, 6.3%, have no vehicle (11% in King County). The Census figure covers all ages, but older adults who stop driving are a large part of it.

Hospitals with an emergency department near Federal Way: St Francis Community Hospital in Federal Way (1.4 mi); Multicare Auburn Medical Center in Auburn (3.4 mi); Madigan Amc (Ft Lewis) in Joint Base Lewis-Mcchord (6.4 mi). Distances are straight-line, so allow more on the road.

34% of residents 65 and older report a disability. If walking is hard, look for a caregiver who is comfortable with walkers and car transfers, not only a driver.

Federal Way compared with King County and Washington

Census figure	Federal Way	King County	Washington
Households with no vehicle	6.3%	11%	7.1%
Residents 65+ with a disability	34%	30%	33%
Residents 65 or older	15%	14%	17%
Residents 65+ in households who live alone	23%	28%	26%
Residents 65+ below the poverty line (approx.)	10%	9.3%	8.9%
Residents 85 or older	1.7%	1.7%	1.8%
Median income, households headed by someone 65+	$68,824	$76,893	—

Older residents in towns around Federal Way

Town	Distance	Residents 65+	Households with no car
Lakeland North, WA	3.1 mi	2,417	4.0%
Lakeland South, WA	3.5 mi	1,710	2.7%
Milton, WA	4.2 mi	1,157	5.5%
Algona, WA	4.6 mi	205	3.9%
Pacific, WA	5.3 mi	853	3.8%
Des Moines, WA	5.4 mi	5,709	7.4%

Hospitals near Federal Way

Hospital with an emergency department	Town	Distance	CMS overall rating	Phone
St Francis Community Hospital	Federal Way, WA	1.4 mi	4 of 5	(253) 944-8100
Multicare Auburn Medical Center	Auburn, WA	3.4 mi	2 of 5	(253) 833-7711
Madigan Amc (Ft Lewis)	Joint Base Lewis-Mcchord, WA	6.4 mi	not rated	(253) 968-1110
Mary Bridge Children's Hospital	Tacoma, WA	6.4 mi	not rated	(253) 403-1400

Straight-line miles from the center of Federal Way. Medicare (CMS) data, October 2026; call ahead to confirm. We are not affiliated with these providers.

What it covers

What a caregiver who drives can help with

Rides to doctor, dental and therapy appointments
Waiting during the appointment and taking notes
Grocery shopping, pharmacy and errands
Trips to church, the senior center and family

Cost

What senior transportation costs in Federal Way

At the Washington median aide wage of $22.95 an hour, 20 hours of help a week comes to about $1,989 a month in wages, which is 35% of the $5,735 monthly median income of Federal Way households headed by someone 65 or older. Private rates are agreed directly with the caregiver, so yours may be higher or lower. Washington's minimum wage is $17.13 an hour (U.S. Department of Labor table, updated July 1, 2026).

Hiring directly, you agree the rate with the caregiver and usually become the household employer (U.S. Department of Labor rules). Some families qualify for programs that pay for care at home; see Medicaid programs for family caregivers: who can be paid, and the rules in 12 states.

Before you hire

What to know before hiring a caregiver who drives

Giving up driving is a common reason older adults start to miss appointments and see fewer people. Before a caregiver drives, agree whose car is used, check that the auto insurance covers it, and agree a mileage rate in writing. The National Aging and Disability Transportation Center and the Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116) can point you to free and low-cost ride programs.

Questions worth asking: May I see your license and proof of auto insurance? Will you drive your car or ours? How do you help someone with a walker in and out of the car? More in our senior transportation guide.

CaregiverConnect does not run background checks. Check identity, references and any certification yourself before anyone starts. The Safety Center explains how.

Questions

Senior Transportation in Federal Way: common questions

Where is the nearest emergency hospital to Federal Way?

St Francis Community Hospital in Federal Way, about 1.4 mi in a straight line from the center of Federal Way (Medicare hospital file). Its listed phone number is (253) 944-8100. In an emergency, call 911.

How much does senior transportation cost in Federal Way?

At the Washington median aide wage of $22.95 an hour, 20 hours of help a week comes to about $1,989 a month in wages, which is 35% of the $5,735 monthly median income of Federal Way households headed by someone 65 or older. Private rates are agreed directly with the caregiver, so yours may be higher or lower. Washington's minimum wage is $17.13 an hour (U.S. Department of Labor table, updated July 1, 2026).

Does Medicare pay for rides to appointments?

Original Medicare covers emergency ambulance trips, not routine rides. Medicaid covers non-emergency medical transportation for eligible members, and some Medicare Advantage plans include rides (Medicare.gov).

More near Federal Way

More senior care near Federal Way

Senior Transportation in nearby cities

Other care in Federal Way

More for Federal Way families

Sources

Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year; CMS provider data (October 25, 2026); U.S. DOL state minimum wages (July 1, 2026); BLS OEWS May 2025 aide wages, which cover employed aides rather than private rates.

Senior Transportation and Escorted Rides in Federal Way, WA