All states › Washington › Federal Way › Life Care Center of Federal Way
1045 South 308th Street Federal Way, WA 98003 · King County
All 4 nursing homes in Federal Way, WA (3 take Medicaid)
CMS certification number 505188 · See this home on Medicare Care Compare
Is Life Care Center of Federal Way a good nursing home? Reviews, ratings and inspection record
There are no official resident reviews of nursing homes: Medicare's Care Compare publishes inspections, staffing and quality data instead. Here is what that record shows for Life Care Center of Federal Way as of October 2026.
CMS rates it 3 out of 5 stars overall, about the same as the Washington average of 3.3.
Online reviews from families and residents are on Google Maps and other sites; they reflect individual experiences and aren't checked by CMS. The full inspection reports, including what inspectors observed, are on Medicare Care Compare.
Staffing
Nursing staff spend about 4.19 hours per resident per day at Life Care Center of Federal Way, about the same as the Washington median of 4.15 (US median: 3.72). About 0.80 of those hours are from registered nurses. On weekends it falls to 3.48 hours, 17% below its all-week average. Ask how weekends are staffed. 49.5% of nursing staff left within a year (Washington median 43%).
About this nursing home
Paying for care at Life Care Center of Federal Way: Medicare and Medicaid
Life Care Center of Federal Way is certified for both Medicare and Medicaid. Medicare Part A can cover a short skilled-nursing or rehab stay here after a qualifying hospital stay of at least three inpatient days (observation days don't count), for up to 100 days per benefit period. Medicaid can pay for long-term care for residents who meet Washington's income and asset rules. Being certified doesn't guarantee a Medicaid bed is open, so ask whether the home accepts residents whose Medicaid application is still pending.
In 2026 Medicare covers days 1–20 in full after the Part A deductible ($1,736 per benefit period); for days 21–100 you pay $217 a day; after day 100 you pay all costs. Medicare doesn't pay for long-term custodial care. Medicare's coverage rules.
Health inspections
The most recent standard inspection was on June 3, 2026 and found 19 deficiencies, plus 1 from complaint inspections in the same period. In total, inspectors issued 85 citations in the last three years.
Each citation has a scope and severity letter from A to L. A–C: potential for minimal harm. D–F: potential for more than minimal harm. G–I: actual harm. J–L: immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety.
What the inspections found
Over the last three years, inspectors issued 85 citations at Life Care Center of Federal Way across 9 inspection dates, 11 of them from complaint investigations. 5 were at the actual-harm level (G–I), most recently on December 31, 2024. The most common areas cited were quality of life and care (30) and resident rights (16). The most serious was cited under the CMS rule to "ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents" (tag F0689, level G, December 31, 2024). 7 citations were under CMS's abuse, neglect and exploitation rules.
June 3, 2026 · 19 citations
FProvide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.
FProcure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
EHonor the resident's right to organize and participate in resident/family groups in the facility.
ECoordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed.
EProvide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
EProvide appropriate care for a resident to maintain and/or improve range of motion (ROM), limited ROM and/or mobility, unless a decline is for a medical reason.
EEnsure menus must meet the nutritional needs of residents, be prepared in advance, be followed, be updated, be reviewed by dietician, and meet the needs of the resident.
EProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
DHonor the resident's right to request, refuse, and/or discontinue treatment, to participate in or refuse to participate in experimental research, and to formulate an advance directive.
DHonor the resident's right to a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment, including but not limited to receiving treatment and supports for daily living safely.
DEnsure that each resident is free from the use of physical restraints, unless needed for medical treatment.
DProvide the required documentation or notification related to the resident's needs, appeal rights, or bed-hold policies.
DEnsure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
DDevelop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
DEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
DProvide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.
DEnsure drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles; and all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, separately locked, compartments for controlled drugs.
DImplement a program that monitors antibiotic use.
May 1, 2026 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DProvide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.
March 18, 2025 · 29 citations · includes complaint inspection
EDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
EDevelop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
EEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
EEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
EEmploy sufficient staff with the appropriate competencies and skills sets to carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service, including a qualified dietician.
EDevelop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.
EEducate residents and staff on COVID-19 vaccination, offer the COVID-19 vaccine to eligible residents and staff after education, and properly document each resident and staff member's vaccination status.
EEnsure nurse aides have the skills they need to care for residents, and give nurse aides education in dementia care and abuse prevention.
DHonor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
DEnsure that residents are fully informed and understand their health status, care and treatments.
DHonor the resident's right to request, refuse, and/or discontinue treatment, to participate in or refuse to participate in experimental research, and to formulate an advance directive.
DHonor the resident's right to a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment, including but not limited to receiving treatment and supports for daily living safely.
DProvide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights.
DNotify the resident or the resident’s representative in writing how long the nursing home will hold the resident’s bed in cases of transfer to a hospital or therapeutic leave.
DCoordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed.
DPASARR screening for Mental disorders or Intellectual Disabilities
DEnsure residents do not lose the ability to perform activities of daily living unless there is a medical reason.
DProvide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
DProvide basic life support, including CPR, prior to the arrival of emergency medical personnel , subject to physician orders and the resident’s advance directives.
DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
DProvide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.
DProvide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
DTry different approaches before using a bed rail. If a bed rail is needed, the facility must (1) assess a resident for safety risk; (2) review these risks and benefits with the resident/representative; (3) get informed consent; and (4) Correctly install and maintain the bed rail.
DProvide the appropriate treatment and services to a resident who displays or is diagnosed with mental disorder or psychosocial adjustment difficulty, or who has a history of trauma and/or post-traumatic stress disorder.
DEnsure drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles; and all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, separately locked, compartments for controlled drugs.
DSafeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
DArrange for the provision of hospice services or assist the resident in transferring to a facility that will arrange for the provision of hospice services.
DProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
DDevelop, implement, and/or maintain an effective training program for all new and existing staff members.
December 31, 2024 · 3 citations, includes actual harm · includes complaint inspection
GEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
EHonor the resident's right to share a room with spouse or roommate of choice and receive written notice before a change is made.
EProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
November 7, 2024 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
ERespond appropriately to all alleged violations.
September 26, 2024 · 1 citation, includes actual harm · includes complaint inspection
GProvide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
September 3, 2024 · 1 citation, includes actual harm · includes complaint inspection
GProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
April 3, 2024 · 3 citations, includes actual harm · includes complaint inspection
GProtect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
DTimely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
DRespond appropriately to all alleged violations.
January 10, 2024 · 27 citations, includes actual harm
GProvide or obtain dental services for each resident.
FProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
EDevelop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
EProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
EProvide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
EImplement gradual dose reductions(GDR) and non-pharmacological interventions, unless contraindicated, prior to initiating or instead of continuing psychotropic medication; and PRN orders for psychotropic medications are only used when the medication is necessary and PRN use is limited.
DEnsure that residents are fully informed and understand their health status, care and treatments.
DHonor the resident's right to be treated with respect and dignity and to retain and use personal possessions.
DHonor the resident's right to and the facility must promote and facilitate resident self-determination through support of resident choice.
DHonor the resident's right to request, refuse, and/or discontinue treatment, to participate in or refuse to participate in experimental research, and to formulate an advance directive.
DHonor the resident's right to voice grievances without discrimination or reprisal and the facility must establish a grievance policy and make prompt efforts to resolve grievances.
DTimely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
DRespond appropriately to all alleged violations.
DAssess the resident when there is a significant change in condition
DPASARR screening for Mental disorders or Intellectual Disabilities
DEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
DProvide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
DProvide activities to meet all resident's needs.
DAssist a resident in gaining access to vision and hearing services.
DProvide appropriate care for a resident to maintain and/or improve range of motion (ROM), limited ROM and/or mobility, unless a decline is for a medical reason.
DEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
DEnsure that feeding tubes are not used unless there is a medical reason and the resident agrees; and provide appropriate care for a resident with a feeding tube.
DProvide care or services that was trauma informed and/or culturally competent.
DEnsure each resident must receive and the facility must provide necessary behavioral health care and services.
DEnsure drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles; and all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, separately locked, compartments for controlled drugs.
DSafeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
DDevelop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.
Questions to ask on a tour of Life Care Center of Federal Way
- Inspectors cited the home at the actual-harm level on December 31, 2024 under the rule on quality of life and care. What changed afterwards, and can I see the plan of correction?
- CMS cited the home under its abuse and neglect rules on June 3, 2026. How are staff trained, and how are concerns reported?
- Weekend staffing is 17% below the all-week average. Who is on duty on Saturday nights?
- The home averages about 55% of its beds filled. Are any units closed?
- Do you have a Medicaid bed open now, and will you admit someone whose Medicaid application is still pending?
- When is the first care-plan meeting, and can family attend?
Questions come from this home's CMS data: its inspections, staffing and ownership record.
Fines and payment denials
2 penalties in the last three years, including $98,970 in fines.
| Date | Type | Amount or length |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 3, 2024 | Fine | $44,272 |
| Jan 10, 2024 | Fine | $54,698 |
Rating history
| CMS month | Overall | Inspection | Staffing | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 2026 | 3/5 | 2/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| August 2026 | 2/5 | 1/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 |
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Location
Hospitals near Life Care Center of Federal Way
The Medicare-certified hospitals closest to this nursing home, with their CMS data. Ask the home which hospital it usually sends residents to.
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2.3 mi
St Francis Community Hospital Federal WayEmergency room ★★★★☆ Medicare overall 4 of 5Median ER visit 3h 22m for patients treated and sent home
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4.4 mi
Auburn Regional Medical Center AuburnEmergency room ★★☆☆☆ Medicare overall 2 of 5Median ER visit 3h 37m for patients treated and sent home
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8.2 mi
St Joseph Medical Center TacomaEmergency room ★★★☆☆ Medicare overall 3 of 5Median ER visit 3h 31m for patients treated and sent home
Hospital ratings, ER visit times and more at Hospitals In Each State
Source: CMS Care Compare. Distances are approximate.
Nearby nursing homes
More nursing homes near Life Care Center of Federal Way › All nursing homes in Federal Way ›
Compare Life Care Center of Federal Way with the 3 closest homes side by side ›
Higher-rated nursing homes within 10 miles
- Garden Terrace Healthcare Center of Federal Way · Federal Way · 5 stars · 2.0 mi
- Judson Park Health Center · Des Moines · 5 stars · 4.4 mi
- Wesley Homes Des Moines Health Center · Des Moines · 5 stars · 5.6 mi
- Avalon Care Center Federal Way · Federal Way · 4 stars · 1.9 mi
Other Life Care Centers of America nursing homes in Washington
- Garden Terrace Healthcare Center of Federal Way · Federal Way · 5 stars
- Life Care Center of South Hill · Puyallup · 5 stars
- Cottesmore of Life Care · Gig Harbor · 5 stars
- Life Care Center of Port Orchard · Port Orchard · 5 stars
- Life Care Center of Port Townsend · Port Townsend · 5 stars
- Life Care Center of Skagit Valley · Sedro Woolley · 4 stars
Affiliation comes from CMS's affiliated-entity data, October 2026. All 194 Life Care Centers of America nursing homes ›
Source: CMS Provider Data Catalog (provider information, health deficiencies, penalties), October 2026. Inspection citations and penalties cover the last three years. Nursing Homes In Each State is independent and not affiliated with CMS or Medicare. About the data · Report a problem with this listing. Is this your nursing home? Feature it here.