The People Score for the Alzheimers Score in 35582, Red Bay, Alabama is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 91.46 percent of the residents in 35582 has some form of health insurance. 40.09 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 60.07 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase.
A resident in 35582 would have to travel an average of 1.41 miles to reach the nearest hospital with an emergency room, Red Bay Hospital. In a 20-mile radius, there are 37 healthcare providers accessible to residents living in 35582, Red Bay, Alabama.
Health Scores in 35582, Red Bay, Alabama
Alzheimers Score | 21 |
---|---|
People Score | 24 |
Provider Score | 36 |
Hospital Score | 32 |
Travel Score | 56 |
35582 | Red Bay | Alabama | |
---|---|---|---|
Employer Insurance | 48.58 | 48.58 | 53.03 |
Direct Purchase Insurance | 15.03 | 15.03 | 13.43 |
Medicare | 24.97 | 24.97 | 19.93 |
Medicaid | 20.15 | 20.15 | 19.33 |
TRICARE | 2.05 | 2.05 | 4.57 |
VA | 52.07 | 52.07 | 53.18 |
Percent Insured in 35582, Red Bay, Alabama
Residents who need health insurance can purchase insurance at The U.S. government healthcare website.
35582 | Red Bay | Alabama | |
---|---|---|---|
Under 19 | 83.09 | 83.09 | 96.59 |
Adults (19-64 years) | 92.22 | 92.22 | 85.09 |
Seniors (65+ years) | 100.00 | 100.00 | 99.54 |
## The Alzheimer's Score: Unveiling Community Health in Red Bay, Alabama (ZIP Code 35582)
The late afternoon sun casts long shadows across the weathered clapboard houses lining Main Street in Red Bay, Alabama. The air, thick with the scent of freshly cut grass and the distant hum of a lawnmower, vibrates with a quiet energy. It’s the kind of energy that comes from a place where people know each other, where generations have woven their lives into the fabric of the community. But beneath this surface of small-town charm lies a complex reality, a tapestry woven with threads of resilience, challenges, and the ever-present shadow of Alzheimer's disease. This is Red Bay, ZIP code 35582, and we're here to explore its Alzheimer's Score, a measure of the community's overall health and its capacity to support its residents, especially those vulnerable to cognitive decline.
The Alzheimer's Score, in this context, isn't a formal medical metric. It's an assessment, a qualitative portrait of the community, built on the foundation of its demographics, lifestyle, access to resources, and the overall "vibe" that shapes its health landscape. It’s about understanding the factors that contribute to both the prevention and the potential exacerbation of cognitive decline, and the community's ability to respond.
**The Demographics: A Portrait of Red Bay**
Red Bay, nestled in the rolling hills of Franklin County, Alabama, is a town steeped in history. The 2020 census paints a picture of a predominantly white community, with a significant percentage of residents over the age of 65. This aging demographic is a crucial factor in our Alzheimer's Score. As age is the primary risk factor for Alzheimer's, a community with a higher proportion of older adults naturally faces a greater potential burden.
Beyond age, understanding the socio-economic landscape is vital. The median household income in Red Bay is lower than the national average. This can impact access to healthcare, nutritious food, and other resources that support overall well-being and brain health. A significant portion of the population has completed high school, but the percentage with a college degree is lower than the national average. Education levels often correlate with health literacy and the ability to navigate complex healthcare systems.
We see this reflected in the quiet determination in the eyes of the folks gathered at the Red Bay Senior Center. They’re sharing stories, playing cards, and participating in gentle exercise classes. The center, a vital hub, provides meals, social interaction, and a lifeline for many seniors. But is it enough? Are there enough resources to meet the growing needs of an aging population, particularly those facing the challenges of memory loss?
**Places to Live: A Sense of Place and Security**
The architecture of Red Bay tells a story. Historic homes with wide porches and meticulously manicured lawns stand alongside more modest dwellings. The town’s residential areas are generally safe, with a strong sense of community. This sense of security and belonging is crucial. A stable, supportive environment can buffer against the stress and isolation that can contribute to cognitive decline.
Imagine Mrs. Henderson, a lifelong resident, tending her vibrant rose garden, the scent of the blooms a familiar comfort. She knows her neighbors, and they know her. They watch out for each other. This network of support is a valuable asset, a crucial component of a healthy community.
However, the availability of affordable, accessible housing options that cater to the specific needs of seniors, including those with cognitive impairments, is a challenge. The availability of assisted living facilities and memory care units within the community is limited, potentially forcing families to seek care outside of Red Bay, disrupting established support networks.
**Healthy Lifestyle in Red Bay: The Rhythm of Life**
The pace of life in Red Bay is slower, more deliberate. This can be a blessing, fostering a sense of calm and reducing stress. The emphasis on outdoor recreation offers opportunities for physical activity, a crucial element in maintaining brain health.
Picture the sun setting over the rolling hills, casting a golden glow on the Red Bay City Park. Families are picnicking, children are laughing on the playground, and older adults are strolling along the walking trails. The park is a gathering place, a space for connection and movement.
The local grocery store, with its familiar aisles and friendly faces, offers access to fresh produce, though the availability of a wide variety of healthy food options could be improved. The presence of local farmers markets, providing access to fresh, seasonal produce, would be a significant boost to the community's health profile.
The community's churches play a vital role, providing social support, spiritual guidance, and opportunities for connection. These institutions often serve as informal support networks, offering assistance to those in need.
**Local Wellness Programs: A Tapestry of Support**
The Red Bay Senior Center is a cornerstone of the community's wellness efforts. It provides a range of programs, including exercise classes, social activities, and educational workshops. The center's staff is dedicated, but resources are often stretched thin.
The local healthcare providers, including the family physicians and the staff at the Franklin County Hospital, are crucial in identifying and managing health issues, including cognitive decline. The availability of specialized geriatric care and memory care specialists within the community is an area for potential growth.
The local library, with its wealth of information and resources, plays a vital role in promoting lifelong learning and cognitive stimulation. The library's programs, including book clubs and educational workshops, offer opportunities for social engagement and mental exercise.
The potential for expanding these programs and integrating them more seamlessly with other community resources is significant. Imagine a collaborative effort between the Senior Center, the library, and the local healthcare providers, offering a comprehensive approach to brain health and memory care.
**Neighborhood Vibe: The Heart of Red Bay**
The "vibe" of Red Bay is one of warmth, resilience, and a deep-rooted sense of community. People here care about each other. They look out for each other. This social cohesion is a powerful buffer against the challenges of aging and cognitive decline.
The annual Red Bay Day celebration, with its parade, food vendors, and community gatherings, is a testament to this spirit. It’s a time for everyone to come together, to celebrate their shared history and their shared future.
However, the community also faces challenges. The economic realities can be tough, and the limited availability of jobs and opportunities can lead to out-migration of younger generations, potentially straining the community's support networks.
The lack of readily available transportation options, particularly for seniors, can limit access to healthcare, social activities, and other essential services. The development of a robust transportation system, perhaps through a volunteer-driven program, would be a significant step forward.
**Outdoor Recreation: Breathing Room for the Mind**
Red Bay's natural surroundings offer a wealth of opportunities for outdoor recreation, a crucial element in promoting both physical and mental well-being. The rolling hills, the nearby forests, and the local parks provide spaces for walking, hiking, and simply enjoying the beauty of nature.
Imagine Mr. Johnson, a retired carpenter, taking his daily walk through the Red Bay City Park, the fresh air filling his lungs, the sunlight warming his face. He's connecting with nature, staying active, and reducing his stress levels.
The development of more accessible walking trails, particularly those designed to accommodate individuals with mobility challenges, would further enhance the community's outdoor recreation offerings. The promotion of community gardening programs, providing opportunities for social interaction and access to fresh produce, would be another valuable addition.
**The Alzheimer's Score: A Call to Action**
Based on our assessment, Red Bay's Alzheimer's Score is a mixed bag. The community possesses significant strengths: a strong sense of community, a slower pace of life, and access to outdoor recreation. However, it also faces challenges: an aging population, lower median incomes, limited access to specialized healthcare, and a need for increased resources for seniors.
To improve the Alzheimer's Score, Red Bay needs to focus on several key areas:
* **Strengthening Support Networks:** Expanding the resources available at the Red Bay Senior Center, creating more opportunities for intergenerational interaction, and fostering a culture of neighborly support.
* **Enhancing Healthcare Access:** Increasing the availability of geriatric care and memory care specialists, and improving access to affordable healthcare services.
* **Promoting Healthy Lifestyles:** Encouraging physical activity through the development of more accessible walking trails and promoting healthy eating habits through farmers markets and educational programs.
* **Fostering Lifelong Learning:** Supporting the Red Bay Library's programs and creating opportunities for cognitive stimulation and social engagement.
* **Addressing Economic Challenges:** Supporting local businesses and creating job opportunities to retain younger generations and strengthen the community's economic base.
The journey towards a healthier community is a continuous one. It requires collaboration, innovation, and a deep commitment to the well-being of all residents. Red Bay, with its strong community spirit and its inherent resilience, has the potential to become a model for other small towns facing the challenges of an aging population and the shadow of Alzheimer's disease. It’s a place where the Alzheimer's Score can be improved, one step, one program, one act of kindness at a time. The future of Red Bay, and the health of its residents, depends on it.
Reviews
No reviews yet.
You may also like