36051, Marbury, Alabama Alzheimers Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 36051, Marbury, Alabama is 53 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

37.97 percent of residents in 36051 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.56 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Prattville Baptist Hospital with a distance of 14.97 miles from the area.

## Alzheimer's Score: Navigating Healthcare in Marbury, Alabama (ZIP Code 36051)

Considering a move to the charming, yet rural, community of Marbury, Alabama (ZIP code 36051)? This analysis provides an "Alzheimer's Score" assessment, focusing on transportation and healthcare access, crucial factors for individuals and families navigating the challenges of Alzheimer's disease. Understanding the ease of getting to medical appointments and support services is paramount, influencing quality of life and care.

The score is not a formal medical assessment, but rather a practical evaluation of transportation options and their suitability for someone with cognitive impairment. We'll examine drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services, painting a picture of the accessibility landscape. This is especially important for those considering moving to Marbury, a town that offers a slower pace of life, but also presents unique transportation considerations.

**The Score:**

* **Excellent (5):** Easy access to a wide range of healthcare providers and support services via multiple transportation options.
* **Good (4):** Reasonable access to healthcare, with some limitations in transportation choices.
* **Fair (3):** Limited access to healthcare, relying heavily on personal vehicles or specific transportation services.
* **Poor (2):** Significant challenges in accessing healthcare due to limited transportation options and long travel times.
* **Very Poor (1):** Extremely difficult access to healthcare, posing significant barriers to care.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

Marbury, Alabama, is situated in Autauga County, a largely rural area. The primary mode of transportation is the personal vehicle. Drive times to healthcare facilities are a critical factor in our assessment.

The nearest major medical center is Baptist Medical Center South in Montgomery, approximately a 30- to 45-minute drive, depending on traffic. The most direct route is via **Highway 14** east to **Interstate 65 (I-65) North**, then taking the **Exit 172** toward **Eastchase Parkway**. This route involves navigating several intersections and potential traffic bottlenecks, especially during peak hours.

Another option is to travel north on **Highway 31**, which connects to **I-65** north. This route may be slightly longer, but it can sometimes offer a less congested alternative, particularly if there are accidents or construction on **Highway 14**.

For more specialized care, or for those requiring services offered by the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), the drive time increases significantly. This trip typically takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, primarily via **I-65 North**. This longer travel time presents challenges for individuals with Alzheimer's, who may experience increased anxiety or fatigue during extended journeys.

Accessing local primary care physicians and specialists in Prattville, which is closer to Marbury, can be achieved via **Highway 14** west. This drive is typically 15-20 minutes, offering a more convenient option for routine appointments. However, the availability of specialized care in Prattville may be limited, necessitating trips to Montgomery.

**Alzheimer's Score (Drive Times): Fair (3)** - While some healthcare options are within reasonable driving distance, the reliance on personal vehicles and the potential for longer travel times to access specialized care create challenges.

**Public Transit:**

Public transportation options in Marbury and the surrounding areas are extremely limited. Autauga County does not have a comprehensive public transit system. This lack of public transportation significantly impacts healthcare access for individuals who cannot drive or are unable to rely on family or friends for rides.

The City of Prattville offers a limited dial-a-ride service, but it primarily caters to senior citizens and individuals with disabilities. It may not be readily available or suitable for individuals with cognitive impairments due to the need to schedule rides in advance and navigate the complexities of the reservation process.

**ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Features:**

The dial-a-ride service in Prattville is designed to be ADA-compliant, with accessible vehicles and trained drivers. However, the limited service area and potential scheduling difficulties may still pose challenges for individuals with Alzheimer's.

**Alzheimer's Score (Public Transit): Very Poor (1)** - The absence of reliable public transportation severely restricts healthcare access for those who cannot drive.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Montgomery and Prattville areas, but their availability in Marbury itself is less consistent. Ride-sharing relies on driver availability, which can be unpredictable in rural areas. Waiting times can be longer, and the cost may be higher than in more populated areas.

Medical transportation services are a more specialized option. Several companies offer non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) in the region. These services typically provide door-to-door transportation to medical appointments. Some of the providers serving the area include:

* **American Medical Response (AMR):** Offers non-emergency medical transportation.
* **CareRide:** Provides transportation for medical appointments.
* **First Response Medical Transportation:** Offers NEMT services.

These services often require advance booking and may have specific eligibility requirements. The cost of medical transportation can be significant, and it is important to investigate insurance coverage options.

**Alzheimer's Score (Ride-Share and Medical Transport): Fair (3)** - While ride-sharing and medical transportation services offer options, their availability, cost, and potential for scheduling difficulties can create barriers to healthcare access.

**Healthcare Access Considerations for Moving to Marbury:**

Moving to Marbury requires careful consideration of healthcare access. Individuals with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers need to assess the availability of healthcare providers, support services, and transportation options.

**Key Considerations:**

* **Proximity to Healthcare Providers:** Determine the location of primary care physicians, specialists, and hospitals.
* **Transportation Availability:** Evaluate the feasibility of using personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation.
* **Caregiver Support:** Assess the availability of family, friends, or professional caregivers who can provide transportation and assistance.
* **Support Services:** Identify local resources, such as the Alzheimer's Association, support groups, and respite care services.
* **Financial Planning:** Factor in the cost of transportation, healthcare services, and potential long-term care needs.

**Overall Alzheimer's Score for ZIP Code 36051: Poor (2)** - The limited public transportation, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the potential challenges associated with ride-sharing and medical transportation create significant barriers to healthcare access for individuals with Alzheimer's disease in Marbury. Careful planning, including exploring medical transportation options and ensuring caregiver support, is essential for successful healthcare navigation.