02738, Marion, Massachusetts Alzheimers Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 02738, Marion, Massachusetts is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

45.63 percent of residents in 02738 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.26 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Southcoast Hospitals Group with a distance of 19.93 miles from the area.

## Alzheimer's Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 02738 (Marion, MA)

The tranquil coastal town of Marion, Massachusetts, nestled in the heart of ZIP code 02738, presents a unique set of considerations for individuals and families navigating the complexities of Alzheimer's disease. This assessment, an "Alzheimer's Score," delves into the critical aspect of healthcare access, specifically focusing on the challenges and opportunities presented by transportation options within and around Marion. It aims to provide a comprehensive overview to inform decisions regarding healthcare needs and the feasibility of "moving to Marion."

The foundation of healthcare access in Marion hinges on the ability to reach medical appointments, therapies, and emergency services. This is especially critical for those with Alzheimer's, where regular and reliable transportation is paramount. The score evaluates the available transportation infrastructure, including driving times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options, each weighted according to its accessibility, reliability, and suitability for individuals with cognitive impairments.

**Driving the Landscape: Navigating the Roads**

For many residents, personal vehicles remain the primary mode of transportation. Marion's relatively small size and proximity to neighboring towns allow for reasonable drive times to essential healthcare facilities. However, the Alzheimer's Score must consider the challenges of driving for individuals with cognitive decline, including potential disorientation, difficulty with navigation, and impaired judgment.

The primary artery connecting Marion to the broader healthcare network is Route 6, also known as the "Marion-Wareham Road." Driving east on Route 6 leads to Wareham, where several medical practices and urgent care facilities are located. The drive time to Wareham typically ranges from 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic. Westbound on Route 6 provides access to Mattapoisett and Fairhaven, offering additional healthcare options.

Route 195, a major highway, provides access to larger medical centers in New Bedford and Fall River. Reaching St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford typically takes 25 to 35 minutes via Route 6 and Route 18. Driving to Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River, using Route 195, can take approximately 40 to 50 minutes. These longer distances necessitate careful planning, particularly for individuals with Alzheimer's, requiring consideration of rest stops, potential traffic delays, and the need for a companion driver.

Smaller local roads, such as Converse Road, Spring Street, and Point Road, offer alternative routes within Marion. However, these roads may be less well-maintained and could pose navigation challenges for those with cognitive impairments.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation in Marion, while present, presents significant limitations for individuals with Alzheimer's. The Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA) provides bus service to the area, but the routes and frequency may not adequately serve the specific needs of those seeking healthcare access.

The SRTA Route 10, the "Marion-Wareham-New Bedford" route, offers a potential link to medical facilities in Wareham and New Bedford. However, the bus schedule may not align with appointment times, and the routes can involve multiple transfers, which can be confusing and overwhelming for individuals with cognitive decline. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-compliant features, such as wheelchair lifts and audio-visual announcements, is essential but must be carefully assessed for each specific bus and route.

The Alzheimer's Score must recognize that public transit, while a viable option for some, is not a primary solution for healthcare transportation in Marion, particularly for those with the disease.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a more flexible transportation option, but their availability and reliability in Marion can be variable. While these services may be accessible, the Alzheimer's Score needs to consider the potential challenges of using ride-sharing for individuals with Alzheimer's, including the need for clear communication with drivers, the potential for confusion with unfamiliar vehicles, and the cost factor.

Medical transportation services are specifically designed to cater to the needs of individuals with medical conditions, including Alzheimer's. Several companies operate in the area, offering non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) to and from healthcare appointments. These services often provide door-to-door assistance, trained drivers, and wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

Key medical transport brands serving the area include:

* **Care Ride:** Offering non-emergency medical transportation services with a focus on safety and comfort.
* **American Medical Response (AMR):** Provides both emergency and non-emergency medical transport, including ambulance services.
* **Local Ambulance Services:** Many local ambulance services offer non-emergency transport as well.

The Alzheimer's Score will evaluate the accessibility, cost, and reliability of these medical transport options, considering factors such as advance booking requirements, insurance coverage, and the availability of trained personnel to assist individuals with cognitive impairments.

**The Alzheimer's Score: A Holistic Assessment**

The Alzheimer's Score for healthcare access in Marion, MA (ZIP code 02738) will be a composite of these factors. It will weigh the relative advantages and disadvantages of each transportation mode, considering the specific needs of individuals with Alzheimer's.

The score will assess the following key elements:

* **Drive Times:** The average travel time to key healthcare facilities, considering traffic and road conditions.
* **Public Transit Accessibility:** The frequency, route coverage, and ADA compliance of public transit options.
* **Ride-Sharing Availability:** The reliability and cost-effectiveness of ride-sharing services.
* **Medical Transport Options:** The availability, cost, and specialized services offered by medical transportation providers.
* **Community Support:** The availability of local resources, such as caregiver support groups, respite care, and dementia-specific programs.

This comprehensive assessment will provide a valuable tool for individuals and families considering "moving to Marion" or seeking to optimize healthcare access for loved ones with Alzheimer's. It will highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the existing transportation infrastructure and identify areas where improvements are needed to ensure that individuals with Alzheimer's can receive the timely and appropriate medical care they deserve. The score will be a dynamic assessment, recognizing that transportation options and community resources are constantly evolving. It will be a living document, updated regularly to reflect the changing landscape of healthcare access in Marion, MA.