47011, Bennington, Indiana Alzheimers Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 47011, Bennington, Indiana is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

9.94 percent of residents in 47011 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.01 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Norton-King's Daughters' Health with a distance of 17.47 miles from the area.

## Alzheimer's Score: Navigating Healthcare in Bennington (ZIP Code 47011)

This analysis provides a comprehensive "Alzheimer's Score" for individuals with cognitive impairments, specifically focusing on healthcare access within ZIP code 47011 (Bennington, Indiana). This score considers the complexities of **transportation** options, drive times, public transit availability, and ride-share services, crucial elements impacting the ability to receive timely and appropriate medical care. It's designed to aid those considering **moving to Bennington** or assessing its suitability for loved ones managing Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.

Understanding the challenges of healthcare access is paramount. The ability to attend appointments, access pharmacies, and receive necessary therapies directly impacts the quality of life for those living with Alzheimer's. This score aims to illuminate these challenges, providing a clearer picture of the resources available within and around Bennington.

**Drive Times and Road Networks:**

Bennington, a predominantly rural community, presents unique **transportation** challenges. The primary road network revolves around Indiana State Road 250, serving as the main artery connecting Bennington to surrounding towns and cities. Traveling east on SR-250 leads towards Vevay, the county seat, where the nearest hospital, Swiss County Hospital, is located. The drive, typically taking around 15-20 minutes, is generally straightforward, however, weather conditions, especially during winter months, can significantly impact travel times.

Heading west on SR-250 leads to US-421, offering a connection to larger towns like Versailles and Milan. Accessing healthcare facilities in these locations, including medical practices and specialist clinics, requires a drive of approximately 30-45 minutes. The roads are generally well-maintained, but navigating rural routes can present challenges for individuals with cognitive impairments, particularly regarding wayfinding and recognizing landmarks.

Interstate access is limited. The nearest interstate, I-74, is accessible via US-50, which requires a drive of approximately 45 minutes. This provides access to healthcare facilities in larger cities like Cincinnati, Ohio, or Indianapolis, Indiana. However, the longer travel times and complexity of interstate travel can be overwhelming for individuals with Alzheimer's, requiring careful planning and potentially assistance from caregivers or **transportation** services.

**Public Transit Limitations:**

Public **transportation** options within and around Bennington are severely limited. Swiss County does not currently offer a comprehensive public bus system. This lack of public **transportation** significantly restricts healthcare access for individuals who are unable to drive or rely on family members for rides.

While there might be limited demand-response services, such as those provided by the Council on Aging, availability is often restricted, and advance booking is typically required. These services may offer ADA-compliant vehicles, ensuring accessibility for individuals with mobility issues, but their operational hours and service areas are often restricted. The absence of readily available public transit necessitates reliance on alternative **transportation** methods, which can be costly and challenging to coordinate.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport Services:**

The availability of ride-share services, such as Uber and Lyft, in Bennington is also limited. While these services may operate in the area, their reliability and availability can vary significantly, especially during off-peak hours or in rural locations. This uncertainty presents a significant barrier to healthcare access, as individuals with Alzheimer's often require predictable and reliable **transportation** to attend appointments.

Medical **transportation** services offer a more specialized solution, providing non-emergency medical **transportation** to and from healthcare appointments. Several brands operate in the broader region, including First Medical **Transportation**, and several local companies. These services typically offer door-to-door service, assisting with mobility and ensuring patients arrive safely at their destinations. However, costs can be substantial, and prior arrangements are essential.

**Healthcare Access and Considerations:**

The primary healthcare facility within reasonable driving distance is Swiss County Hospital in Vevay. This hospital provides a range of services, including primary care, emergency care, and some specialist consultations. However, access to specialized geriatric care, neurological services, and Alzheimer's-specific support may require travel to larger cities like Cincinnati or Indianapolis.

The availability of pharmacies in Bennington is limited, necessitating travel to Vevay or other nearby towns to fill prescriptions. This adds another layer of complexity to healthcare management, particularly for individuals who require regular medication refills.

**Alzheimer's Score Assessment:**

Considering the factors outlined above, Bennington (ZIP code 47011) presents a moderate to challenging environment for individuals with Alzheimer's disease regarding healthcare access. The score is influenced by the following:

* **Drive Times:** Moderate drive times to primary care and hospital facilities (15-45 minutes).
* **Public Transit:** Severely limited public **transportation** options.
* **Ride-Share Availability:** Limited and unreliable ride-share services.
* **Medical Transport:** Available, but costly and requires prior arrangements.
* **Specialized Care:** Access to specialized geriatric and neurological care may require significant travel.
* **Support Services:** Limited availability of Alzheimer's-specific support groups and resources within the immediate community.

**Recommendations:**

For individuals considering **moving to Bennington** or for those already residing there with Alzheimer's, careful planning and proactive strategies are essential. These include:

* **Caregiver Support:** Establishing a strong caregiver network, including family members, friends, or professional caregivers, is crucial.
* **Transportation Planning:** Pre-arranging **transportation** for all medical appointments, including ride-share services, medical **transportation**, or assistance from family members.
* **Healthcare Coordination:** Working closely with healthcare providers to coordinate appointments, medication refills, and specialist referrals.
* **Resource Exploration:** Investigating the availability of Alzheimer's support groups, memory care facilities, and other relevant resources in the surrounding areas.
* **Emergency Preparedness:** Developing an emergency plan that includes readily accessible **transportation** options and contact information for healthcare providers and caregivers.

Bennington, while offering a sense of community, presents significant challenges for individuals with Alzheimer's. Careful consideration of these factors, coupled with proactive planning and support, is essential to ensure access to timely and appropriate healthcare. The "Alzheimer's Score" serves as a tool to guide decision-making and facilitate a more informed approach to healthcare management in this rural setting.