21779, Rohrersville, Maryland Alzheimers Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 21779, Rohrersville, Maryland is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

37.06 percent of residents in 21779 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.29 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Frederick Health Hospital with a distance of 13.13 miles from the area.

## Alzheimer's Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Rohrersville (ZIP Code 21779)

Rohrersville, Maryland, a quaint community nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, offers a serene backdrop for life. However, when considering the realities of Alzheimer's disease, the idyllic charm must be tempered with a critical assessment of **healthcare access**. This analysis, the "Alzheimer's Score," focuses on **transportation** options available for residents of ZIP Code 21779, particularly those facing the challenges of cognitive decline. The goal is to provide a comprehensive picture of how easily individuals with Alzheimer's can reach necessary medical appointments and services, a crucial factor for anyone **moving to Rohrersville** or already residing there.

The foundation of this score rests on the availability and practicality of various transportation modes. For individuals with Alzheimer's, the ability to travel safely and reliably is paramount. Independence wanes as the disease progresses, making access to healthcare a complex equation of distance, infrastructure, and support systems.

**Driving: The Primary Mode**

For many Rohrersville residents, personal vehicles are the primary means of transportation. The challenge lies in the drive times to healthcare facilities, the complexity of navigating unfamiliar roads, and the increasing difficulty of driving as Alzheimer's progresses. From Rohrersville, the most direct route to major medical centers involves a combination of state highways and local roads.

Heading east, a drive to Frederick Health Hospital, the nearest comprehensive hospital, typically begins on Rohrersville Road, a winding two-lane road that eventually merges with US-40 Alternate. This route, while scenic, can be challenging for those with cognitive impairments due to its curves and potential for heavy traffic, especially during peak hours. US-40 Alternate leads directly into Frederick, a drive that can take anywhere from 20 to 35 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

Alternatively, residents might opt for a slightly longer route, utilizing MD-17 south to US-340 east. This route provides a more direct connection to Frederick, though it also involves navigating a busy highway. The drive time on this route is comparable to the US-40 Alternate route, but the higher speeds and more complex intersections may present additional challenges for those with cognitive decline.

Driving to more specialized care, such as neurology or memory clinics, requires further travel. The Johns Hopkins Memory and Alzheimer's Disease Treatment Center in Baltimore, for instance, is a significant undertaking. The journey involves a combination of US-340, US-15, and I-70 East, a drive that can easily exceed an hour and a half, even without traffic delays. This extended travel time and the complexity of navigating multiple highways can be extremely taxing for individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers.

**Public Transit: Limited Options**

Public transportation options in Rohrersville are limited. The availability of public transit directly impacts the **healthcare access** for those who can no longer drive. The Frederick County Transit system offers some bus routes, but these services are infrequent and primarily serve the more populated areas of Frederick.

Route 80, for example, provides service to the Frederick area, but it does not directly serve Rohrersville. Residents would need to arrange for a ride to a bus stop, adding another layer of complexity to the **transportation** equation. The bus routes are not designed with the specific needs of individuals with Alzheimer's in mind, and the long travel times and potential for transfers can be disorienting and stressful.

Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible features on these buses is crucial. Ramps, lifts, and designated seating are essential for individuals with mobility issues, which often accompany Alzheimer's. However, even with these features, navigating the public transit system can be overwhelming for those with cognitive impairments. The need to remember routes, schedules, and stops can be a significant burden.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: A Mixed Bag**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a potential alternative to driving, but their reliability and cost can vary. In a rural area like Rohrersville, the availability of drivers may be limited, especially during off-peak hours or for appointments scheduled at unusual times. The cost of these services can also be a significant factor, particularly for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by local companies, provide specialized assistance for individuals with medical needs. These services often offer door-to-door transportation, assistance with boarding and disembarking, and sometimes even medical personnel on board. However, these services can be expensive and may require advance booking, which can be challenging for individuals with unpredictable cognitive symptoms.

**Assessing the Score**

The Alzheimer's Score for Rohrersville (21779) reflects a mixed picture. While the community offers a peaceful environment, the **transportation** infrastructure presents significant challenges for individuals with Alzheimer's. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the variable availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services all contribute to a lower score.

The drive times to healthcare facilities, particularly for specialized care, are a significant concern. The complexity of navigating highways and the potential for traffic delays add to the stress and difficulty of accessing medical appointments. The lack of robust public transit further limits **healthcare access** for those who can no longer drive.

The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services offers some relief, but their cost, reliability, and the need for advance planning create additional hurdles. These factors, taken together, suggest that individuals with Alzheimer's residing in or **moving to Rohrersville** face significant challenges in accessing the healthcare they need. The Alzheimer's Score for this area would be considered moderate, requiring careful planning and reliance on support systems to ensure safe and reliable **transportation** to medical appointments.