46128, Fillmore, Indiana Alzheimers Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 46128, Fillmore, Indiana is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

45.73 percent of residents in 46128 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.88 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Putnam County Hospital with a distance of 6.55 miles from the area.

## Alzheimer's Score: Navigating Healthcare in Fillmore, Indiana (ZIP Code 46128)

The specter of Alzheimer's casts a long shadow, demanding meticulous planning for healthcare access. This report analyzes the transportation landscape in Fillmore, Indiana (ZIP code 46128), focusing on its impact on individuals and families grappling with this challenging disease. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive 'Alzheimer's Score,' assessing the ease and practicality of accessing vital medical services, considering the unique limitations imposed by Alzheimer's. This assessment is critical for those contemplating a move to Fillmore or seeking to optimize healthcare access for loved ones already residing there.

Fillmore, a small town nestled in Putnam County, presents a specific set of transportation challenges. Public transportation options are limited, and the reliance on personal vehicles is significant. The Alzheimer's Score will consider drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options to determine the overall accessibility of healthcare for those with Alzheimer's. This analysis aims to empower individuals and families to make informed decisions, ensuring the best possible quality of life.

**Drive Times and Road Networks: The Foundation of Access**

The primary artery connecting Fillmore to healthcare facilities is U.S. Route 231, a crucial north-south thoroughfare. Travel times to key medical providers are heavily influenced by traffic conditions and the overall distance. For example, the nearest hospital, Putnam County Hospital in Greencastle, is approximately a 15-minute drive via U.S. 231 South. This seemingly short distance can be significantly impacted by weather, especially during Indiana's harsh winters, potentially increasing travel times and creating safety concerns for individuals with cognitive impairments.

Access to specialized care, such as neurology and geriatric medicine, often necessitates travel to larger cities like Indianapolis, approximately an hour's drive via U.S. 231 South to Interstate 70 East. This longer journey introduces additional complexities, including the need for careful pre-planning, consideration of restroom breaks, and the potential for increased anxiety for the patient. The ability to navigate these longer distances safely and efficiently is a critical factor in our Alzheimer's Score.

Local roads, such as County Road 100 South and County Road 400 East, provide alternative routes, but they are often narrow and winding, potentially posing challenges for drivers with impaired cognitive function. These roads also lack the robust emergency services infrastructure found on major highways. The overall road network in Fillmore, while adequate for general transportation, presents limitations for individuals with Alzheimer's, emphasizing the importance of reliable and safe transportation options.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Fillmore and Putnam County are extremely limited. There is no dedicated public bus system operating within the town. The closest semblance of public transit is the Putnam County Transit system, which provides demand-response transportation. This service requires advance booking and operates within specific hours.

The Putnam County Transit system offers ADA-accessible vehicles, a crucial feature for individuals with mobility limitations often associated with Alzheimer's. However, the demand-response nature of the service necessitates careful planning and coordination, making it less ideal for spontaneous medical appointments or emergency situations. The limited operating hours and the need for advance booking significantly restrict the accessibility of healthcare for individuals with Alzheimer's who may require immediate medical attention.

The lack of readily available public transit highlights the reliance on alternative transportation methods, placing a greater burden on family members or requiring the utilization of other services. This factor weighs heavily in the Alzheimer's Score, underscoring the need for robust and reliable transportation solutions.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Fillmore area, offering a potential solution for transportation to medical appointments. However, the availability of these services can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for individuals with medical needs, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like American Medical Response (AMR) and local private ambulance services provide non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. These services are generally more expensive than ride-sharing, but they offer a higher level of care and support, including assistance with transferring patients and communication with medical staff.

The availability of both ride-sharing and medical transport services provides options, but their reliability, cost, and the level of support they offer must be carefully considered. The Alzheimer's Score will evaluate the accessibility and suitability of these services, recognizing that the best option often depends on the individual's specific needs and financial resources.

**Healthcare Access: A Local Perspective**

The availability of healthcare providers in Fillmore itself is limited. Residents typically rely on the Putnam County Hospital in Greencastle for primary care and emergency services. Specialty care often requires travel to Indianapolis or other regional centers. The proximity of Putnam County Hospital is a significant advantage, but the need for specialized care outside the immediate area underscores the importance of reliable transportation.

The availability of home healthcare services is also crucial for individuals with Alzheimer's. These services can provide in-home medical care, medication management, and assistance with daily living activities. The availability and quality of home healthcare providers in the Fillmore area are important factors in the Alzheimer's Score, as they can significantly impact the individual's ability to remain in their home environment.

**Moving to Fillmore: A Considered Choice**

For families considering a move to Fillmore for a loved one with Alzheimer's, this analysis offers a crucial perspective. The limited public transportation, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the need for travel to access specialized medical care require careful consideration. The Alzheimer's Score should be weighed against the potential benefits of living in a smaller community, such as a lower cost of living and a close-knit social environment.

The availability of family support, the willingness of family members to provide transportation, and the ability to afford medical transport services are essential factors. A comprehensive assessment of the individual's needs, the available resources, and the transportation landscape is crucial to ensure the best possible quality of life. The Alzheimer's Score, based on the factors discussed, provides a framework for making informed decisions and navigating the healthcare system in Fillmore, Indiana.

**Conclusion: A Score in Context**

The Alzheimer's Score for Fillmore, Indiana (ZIP code 46128) reflects the realities of rural healthcare access. While the presence of Putnam County Hospital is a positive factor, the limited public transportation, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the need for travel to access specialized care present challenges. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services offers solutions, but their reliability, cost, and level of support must be carefully considered.

For individuals and families grappling with Alzheimer's, careful planning, proactive resource utilization, and a strong support system are essential. This analysis provides a framework for assessing the transportation landscape, empowering individuals to make informed decisions and ensure the best possible quality of life. The Alzheimer's Score is not a definitive number but a guide, highlighting the complexities of healthcare access in Fillmore and emphasizing the need for comprehensive planning and ongoing adaptation.