Senior Transportation and Escorted Rides in Lakewood, SC
Rides to appointments, shopping, the pharmacy and visits with a caregiver who stays with the person, not only a driver who drops them off. Post what you need in Lakewood for free and hire a caregiver directly, with no agency mark-up.

Senior Transportation in Lakewood, SC: the local picture
About 21 Lakewood households, 1.4%, have no vehicle (8.4% in Sumter 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 Lakewood: Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital in Sumter (5.5 mi); Mcleod Health Clarendon in Manning (17 mi); Kershawhealth in Camden (33 mi). Distances are straight-line, so allow more on the road.
14% 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.
Lakewood compared with Sumter County and South Carolina
| Census figure | Lakewood | Sumter County | South Carolina |
|---|---|---|---|
| Households with no vehicle | 1.4% | 8.4% | 5.7% |
| Residents 65+ with a disability | 14% | 30% | 33% |
| Residents 65 or older | 22% | 18% | 19% |
| Residents 65+ in households who live alone | 44% | 30% | 27% |
| Residents 65+ below the poverty line (approx.) | 27% | 17% | 11% |
| Residents 85 or older | 1.7% | 2.4% | 1.8% |
Older residents in towns around Lakewood
| Town | Distance | Residents 65+ | Households with no car |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sumter, SC | 7.8 mi | 7,590 | 11% |
| Cherryvale, SC | 10 mi | 225 | 30% |
| Manning, SC | 12 mi | 1,556 | 22% |
| Dalzell, SC | 14 mi | 203 | 11% |
| Wyboo, SC | 20 mi | 1,270 | 2.1% |
| Bishopville, SC | 27 mi | 703 | 17% |
Hospitals near Lakewood
| Hospital with an emergency department | Town | Distance | CMS overall rating | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital | Sumter, SC | 5.5 mi | 3 of 5 | (803) 774-8900 |
| Mcleod Health Clarendon | Manning, SC | 17 mi | 3 of 5 | (803) 435-8463 |
| Kershawhealth | Camden, SC | 33 mi | 3 of 5 | (803) 432-4311 |
| Columbia SC Va Medical Center | Columbia, SC | 35 mi | 5 of 5 | (803) 695-7980 |
Straight-line miles from the center of Lakewood. Medicare (CMS) data, October 2026; call ahead to confirm. We are not affiliated with these providers.
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
What senior transportation costs in Lakewood
At the South Carolina median aide wage of $14.48 an hour, 20 hours of help a week comes to about $1,255 a month in wages. Private rates are agreed directly with the caregiver, so yours may be higher or lower. South Carolina has no state minimum wage law, so the federal minimum of $7.25 an hour applies to employers covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act (U.S. Department of Labor).
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.
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.
Senior Transportation in Lakewood: common questions
Where is the nearest emergency hospital to Lakewood?
Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital in Sumter, about 5.5 mi in a straight line from the center of Lakewood (Medicare hospital file). Its listed phone number is (803) 774-8900. In an emergency, call 911.
How much does senior transportation cost in Lakewood?
At the South Carolina median aide wage of $14.48 an hour, 20 hours of help a week comes to about $1,255 a month in wages. Private rates are agreed directly with the caregiver, so yours may be higher or lower. South Carolina has no state minimum wage law, so the federal minimum of $7.25 an hour applies to employers covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act (U.S. Department of Labor).
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 senior care near Lakewood
Senior Transportation in nearby cities
- Senior Transportation in Sumter, SC
- Senior Transportation in Cherryvale, SC
- Senior Transportation in Manning, SC
- Senior Transportation in Dalzell, SC
- Senior Transportation in Wyboo, SC
- Senior Transportation in Bishopville, SC
- Senior Transportation in Kingstree, SC
- Senior Transportation in East Camden, SC
- Senior Transportation in Lugoff, SC
- Senior Transportation in Camden, SC
- Senior Transportation in Lake City, SC
- Senior Transportation in Capitol View, SC
- Senior Transportation in Columbia, SC
- Senior Transportation in Brookdale, SC
- Senior Transportation in Woodfield, SC
- Senior Transportation in Orangeburg, SC
Other care in Lakewood
- Companion Care in Lakewood
- Dementia Care in Lakewood
- Respite Care in Lakewood
- Live-In Caregivers in Lakewood
- Post-Surgery Care in Lakewood
- Home Health Aides in Lakewood
- Nursing Assistants in Lakewood
- Personal Care in Lakewood
- Overnight Caregivers in Lakewood
- 24-Hour Home Care in Lakewood
- Mobility Assistance in Lakewood
- Parkinson’s Care in Lakewood
- Stroke Recovery Support in Lakewood
- Disability Care for Adults in Lakewood
- Hospice Support in Lakewood
- Senior Meal Preparation in Lakewood
- Senior Housekeeping in Lakewood
- Medication Reminders in Lakewood
- Veterans’ Home Care in Lakewood
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.
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