36750, Maplesville, Alabama Alzheimers Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 36750, Maplesville, Alabama is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

38.58 percent of residents in 36750 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.95 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St Vincent's Chilton with a distance of 13.85 miles from the area.

## Alzheimer's Score: Commute to Healthcare in Maplesville, Alabama (ZIP Code 36750)

The decision to relocate, especially for individuals and families navigating the complexities of Alzheimer's disease, necessitates a thorough assessment of healthcare access. This write-up provides an "Alzheimer's Score" for the 36750 ZIP code, encompassing Maplesville, Alabama, focusing on transportation options to medical facilities. The goal is to illuminate the practical realities of accessing healthcare, a critical factor in the quality of life for those affected by the disease. Understanding these nuances is crucial when considering moving to Maplesville.

The core of this assessment revolves around the ability to reach essential medical appointments, including physician visits, specialist consultations, and potentially, specialized memory care facilities. The Alzheimer's Score considers various transportation modalities, factoring in drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation options. Each element contributes to a comprehensive picture of healthcare accessibility within and around Maplesville.

**Driving Distances and Roadways:**

Maplesville, a charming rural community, presents a driving landscape dominated by state highways and county roads. The primary artery is **Alabama State Route 22 (AL-22)**, which traverses the town and connects it to larger population centers. Accessing healthcare often requires navigating this route.

For specialized care, residents typically travel to larger cities like Clanton (approximately 15 miles east) or Selma (approximately 40 miles southwest). Traveling to Clanton involves a relatively straightforward drive on AL-22 East, typically taking around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. This trip provides access to Chilton Medical Center, a key healthcare provider.

Reaching Selma, however, presents a more extended journey. The most direct route involves AL-22 West, which then merges with **U.S. Route 80 (US-80)**. The drive to Selma, home to Vaughan Regional Medical Center and other specialist practices, can take approximately 45-60 minutes, influenced by traffic and road conditions.

**Public Transportation Challenges:**

Public transportation options in rural Alabama, including Maplesville, are limited. The absence of a robust public transit system poses a significant challenge for individuals with Alzheimer's, who may no longer be able to drive. This lack of readily available transportation significantly impacts healthcare access.

There are no dedicated bus routes serving Maplesville. The nearest public transportation options might be found in larger cities like Selma or Clanton, but these are unlikely to offer convenient routes or frequent schedules.

**ADA Accessibility and Public Transit:**

Given the limited public transit, ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a moot point in Maplesville. The absence of a functioning public transit system eliminates the possibility of wheelchair-accessible buses or other accommodations. This lack of accessibility further exacerbates the transportation challenges for individuals with Alzheimer's, particularly those with mobility limitations.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, may have limited availability in Maplesville and the surrounding area. The sparse population and rural nature of the region may not attract a high volume of drivers, potentially leading to longer wait times and increased costs.

Medical transportation services are available, but their availability and cost vary. Companies like **CareRide** and **Medicaid Transportation** may offer non-emergency medical transportation, but their coverage depends on insurance plans and eligibility. These services often require advance booking and may have limitations on the distance they serve.

**Healthcare Access Assessment:**

The Alzheimer's Score for transportation in Maplesville is relatively low. The reliance on personal vehicles, combined with the limited public transit, poses significant barriers to healthcare access. The drive times to healthcare facilities, while manageable, can be challenging for individuals with cognitive impairments.

The absence of reliable public transportation and the potential scarcity of ride-sharing services necessitate careful planning and reliance on family, friends, or specialized medical transportation. This reliance on external support can be stressful and may limit access to timely medical care.

**Moving to Maplesville Considerations:**

For individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers, the decision to move to Maplesville should be carefully considered. The lack of convenient transportation options necessitates a strong support network or a commitment to utilizing medical transportation services.

Before making a move, it is imperative to research and secure reliable transportation options. This may involve identifying local medical transportation providers, establishing a relationship with a ride-sharing service, or ensuring that family or friends are readily available to provide transportation.

**Conclusion:**

The Alzheimer's Score for transportation in Maplesville highlights the challenges of accessing healthcare. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit, and the potential scarcity of ride-sharing services create barriers to accessing timely and convenient medical care. Prospective residents with Alzheimer's and their families must carefully evaluate these transportation limitations and proactively plan for their healthcare needs. Careful planning, combined with a strong support system, is essential to ensure the well-being and quality of life for individuals living with Alzheimer's in Maplesville.