35564, Hackleburg, Alabama Alzheimers Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 35564, Hackleburg, Alabama is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

64.83 percent of residents in 35564 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.23 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Lakeland Community Hospital with a distance of 13.06 miles from the area.

## Alzheimer's Score: Commute to Healthcare in Hackleburg, Alabama (ZIP Code 35564)

Navigating the complexities of Alzheimer's disease demands meticulous planning, especially concerning healthcare access. For individuals considering a move to Hackleburg, Alabama (ZIP code 35564), or for those already residing there, understanding the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access is paramount. This "Alzheimer's Score" write-up provides a detailed analysis, considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing options, and medical transport services, all crucial factors in ensuring timely and reliable healthcare access for individuals with Alzheimer's.

Hackleburg, a rural community nestled in Marion County, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities regarding transportation and healthcare access. The town itself offers limited healthcare facilities, necessitating travel to larger towns and cities for specialized medical care. This geographical reality underscores the importance of a thorough understanding of transportation options.

**Driving the Distance: Navigating the Roads to Care**

The primary mode of transportation in and around Hackleburg is, unsurprisingly, the automobile. Residents rely heavily on personal vehicles for commuting to work, shopping, and, most importantly, accessing healthcare. The drive times to healthcare facilities are a critical component of the "Alzheimer's Score."

The closest significant healthcare facility is North Mississippi Medical Center in Hamilton, Alabama. The drive to Hamilton typically involves traveling south on **Highway 171**, a two-lane highway that can experience moderate traffic during peak hours. The drive itself is approximately 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. This relatively short drive time is a significant positive factor in the "Alzheimer's Score."

For more specialized care, residents often travel to larger cities like Tupelo, Mississippi, or Birmingham, Alabama. The journey to Tupelo, approximately 60 miles west, involves traveling on **Highway 78** and then **Highway 45**. This drive can take approximately one hour and fifteen minutes to one hour and thirty minutes, depending on traffic.

The drive to Birmingham, a major medical hub, is considerably longer. The most direct route involves taking **Highway 171** south to **Highway 78** east, then merging onto **Interstate 22** east. The total distance is approximately 120 miles, and the drive can take between two and two and a half hours, depending on traffic. This longer drive time poses a greater challenge for individuals with Alzheimer's, potentially increasing stress and fatigue.

**Public Transit: A Limited Landscape**

Public transportation options in Hackleburg are extremely limited. Marion County does not have a comprehensive public bus system. This lack of public transit significantly impacts the "Alzheimer's Score," as it restricts healthcare access for individuals who cannot or should not drive.

The absence of a robust public transit system necessitates reliance on alternative transportation methods. For individuals with Alzheimer's, the lack of public transit can be a significant barrier to accessing healthcare, especially for those who no longer drive or have difficulty navigating complex routes.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in some areas surrounding Hackleburg, but their availability can be inconsistent, particularly in rural areas. The reliability of ride-sharing services is a crucial factor in the "Alzheimer's Score."

Medical transportation services, such as non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), offer a more specialized solution. These services are designed to transport individuals to and from medical appointments. Several medical transport providers serve the Hackleburg area.

**Medical Transport Brands and Services**

* **Ambulance Services:** Local ambulance services, like Marion County Emergency Medical Services, provide emergency medical transportation.
* **Non-Emergency Medical Transport (NEMT):** Companies like **First Choice Medical Transportation** and **Care Ride Transportation** offer non-emergency medical transportation services, providing transportation to and from medical appointments. They typically offer door-to-door service and may accommodate individuals with mobility challenges. Availability and cost are crucial considerations.
* **Other Options:** Other local transportation services, such as **Hackleburg Senior Center**, may offer limited transportation options for seniors, including trips to medical appointments.

**ADA Accessibility Considerations**

For individuals with Alzheimer's who may also have mobility challenges, the availability of accessible transportation is crucial. NEMT providers typically offer vehicles equipped with wheelchair lifts and other features to accommodate individuals with disabilities. When assessing transportation options, it's essential to inquire about ADA-compliant vehicles and services.

**The "Alzheimer's Score" and Considerations for Moving to Hackleburg**

The "Alzheimer's Score" for Hackleburg, considering the transportation landscape, is moderate. While the proximity to Hamilton offers relatively quick access to some healthcare services, the limited public transit options and the longer drive times to specialized care in Tupelo or Birmingham pose challenges.

For individuals with Alzheimer's considering a move to Hackleburg, or for their caregivers, a thorough assessment of transportation needs is essential. This includes:

* **Driving Ability:** Can the individual safely drive? If not, alternative transportation options are critical.
* **Caregiver Support:** Is a caregiver available to provide transportation?
* **Financial Resources:** Can the individual afford ride-sharing services or medical transport?
* **Healthcare Needs:** What type of medical care is required? How frequently are appointments scheduled?
* **Accessibility Requirements:** Does the individual require ADA-compliant transportation?

Moving to Hackleburg presents both challenges and opportunities for individuals with Alzheimer's. While the community offers a peaceful environment, the transportation limitations require careful planning and consideration. A proactive approach to securing reliable transportation is essential to ensure access to timely and appropriate healthcare. The "Alzheimer's Score" is a valuable tool for assessing the feasibility of living in Hackleburg, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of transportation options and healthcare access.