36548, Leroy, Alabama Alzheimers Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 36548, Leroy, Alabama is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

48.82 percent of residents in 36548 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.13 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Jackson Medical Center with a distance of 5.48 miles from the area.

## Alzheimer's Score: Navigating Healthcare in Leroy, Alabama (ZIP Code 36548)

The decision to relocate, particularly for individuals facing the challenges of Alzheimer's disease or other cognitive impairments, necessitates a thorough assessment of the environment. This write-up, designed to provide a nuanced understanding of healthcare access within the Leroy, Alabama, ZIP code 36548, offers an "Alzheimer's Score" based on ease of **transportation** to medical facilities. The goal is to empower informed choices, especially for those considering **moving to Leroy** and needing to prioritize **healthcare access**.

The Alzheimer's Score considers factors like drive times, public transit availability, and alternative **transportation** options, providing a realistic picture of the challenges and opportunities. It's crucial to remember that individual needs vary. The score is a starting point, and a personalized evaluation, considering specific medical requirements and mobility limitations, is always recommended.

### Drive Times and Road Networks

Leroy, Alabama, is a rural community, and the primary mode of **transportation** is the personal vehicle. The availability of healthcare in the surrounding areas dictates the need for reliable **transportation**. The nearest major medical facilities are located in Jackson, Alabama, approximately 20 miles to the north, and Mobile, Alabama, roughly 60 miles to the south.

Accessing Jackson, the closer option, typically involves traveling on US Highway 43 North. Drive times are generally manageable, averaging around 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific location within Leroy. The roads are generally well-maintained, but the two-lane nature of US-43 can lead to delays, especially during peak hours. For those with cognitive impairments, the potential for traffic-related stress should be considered.

Reaching Mobile presents a more significant challenge. The journey involves traveling south on US-43, connecting to US-98 East, and then navigating the city's roadways. Drive times can range from 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions and the specific destination within Mobile. The longer distance and potential for complex navigation may present difficulties for individuals with Alzheimer's.

The secondary roads, such as County Road 21 and County Road 29, provide alternative routes, though they are often less direct and may involve more turns and potential for getting lost. GPS navigation is essential, but it is vital to have a caregiver or family member who can assist with navigation, particularly if the individual experiences difficulties with technology or spatial orientation.

### Public Transit: Limited Options

Public **transportation** options in Leroy are extremely limited, significantly impacting **healthcare access**. The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) does not operate any fixed-route bus services directly serving Leroy. This lack of public **transportation** presents a considerable obstacle for those unable to drive or who have difficulty securing private **transportation**.

While there may be limited demand-response services offered by local agencies, these are often restricted to specific populations, such as the elderly or disabled, and require advance booking. These services often have limited operating hours and may not be available for all medical appointments. The absence of readily available public **transportation** significantly lowers the Alzheimer's Score.

The absence of readily available public **transportation** in Leroy, Alabama, presents a significant hurdle for those with Alzheimer's. The reliance on personal vehicles or the need to rely on family members or friends for **transportation** to medical appointments can place a considerable burden on caregivers and can limit **healthcare access**.

### Ride-Share and Medical Transport

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Mobile, but their presence in Leroy is less consistent. Availability is often dependent on driver availability, which may be limited in a rural area. Reliance on ride-sharing services can be unpredictable and may require significant advance planning, especially for appointments.

Medical **transportation** services, such as non-emergency medical **transportation** (NEMT), are available in the area. These services specialize in providing **transportation** to medical appointments for individuals who cannot drive themselves. Several companies operate in the region, including:

* **CareRide**: A national provider with local presence, offering door-to-door **transportation** and wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
* **American Medical Response (AMR)**: While primarily an ambulance service, AMR may offer non-emergency **transportation** services in some areas.
* **Local ambulance services**: Local ambulance services may also provide non-emergency **transportation**, depending on availability.

These services require pre-booking and may have specific eligibility requirements, such as medical necessity or insurance coverage. The cost of medical **transportation** can vary significantly. It is essential to research and compare prices and services offered by different providers.

### Alzheimer's Score and Recommendations

Based on the assessment of **transportation** options, the Alzheimer's Score for **healthcare access** in Leroy, Alabama (36548), is considered low. The reliance on personal vehicles, the absence of public transit, and the limited availability of ride-sharing services create significant challenges for individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers.

For those considering **moving to Leroy** with Alzheimer's, the following recommendations are crucial:

* **Prioritize proximity to healthcare:** Consider the location of medical facilities and the ease of access.
* **Assess caregiver support:** Ensure a reliable support system for **transportation** to appointments.
* **Explore medical **transportation** options:** Research local NEMT providers and understand their services and costs.
* **Plan for emergencies:** Develop a contingency plan for unexpected medical needs.
* **Consider assisted living facilities:** Explore facilities offering **transportation** and medical support.

The decision to relocate is complex, and for individuals with Alzheimer's, it requires careful consideration of **healthcare access** and the availability of support services. While Leroy offers a peaceful environment, the **transportation** limitations pose a significant challenge. A thorough assessment of individual needs, coupled with proactive planning, is essential to ensure the best possible quality of life. The need for reliable **transportation** to medical appointments underscores the importance of careful consideration when choosing a location.