39322, Buckatunna, Mississippi Alzheimers Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 39322, Buckatunna, Mississippi is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

57.16 percent of residents in 39322 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.95 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wayne General Hospital with a distance of 10.15 miles from the area.

## Alzheimer's Score: Transportation and Healthcare Access in Buckatunna, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39322)

The decision to relocate, especially for individuals facing the complexities of Alzheimer's disease, demands meticulous planning. This analysis provides a detailed "Alzheimer's Score" for transportation and healthcare access within and around Buckatunna, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39322), offering crucial insights for those considering a move to this rural community. This assessment prioritizes the unique needs of individuals with cognitive impairments, evaluating the availability and accessibility of transportation options essential for accessing healthcare.

Buckatunna, nestled in the heart of Wayne County, presents a distinct landscape for healthcare access. Its rural character significantly impacts transportation options, demanding a deep dive into the practicalities of getting to and from medical appointments. The following examination considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services, providing a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in this specific geographical context.

**Drive Times and Road Navigation:**

Navigating the roads of Buckatunna and its surrounding areas is primarily reliant on personal vehicles. The primary thoroughfare is **Highway 45**, which runs north-south, connecting Buckatunna to larger towns and cities. Traveling south on Highway 45, the drive to Waynesboro, the county seat and a central point for healthcare services, is approximately 20 to 30 minutes. This is a manageable distance for many, but the potential for delays due to traffic or weather conditions must be factored in, particularly for individuals with cognitive impairments.

East-west travel is facilitated by **Highway 84**, which intersects Highway 45 near Waynesboro. Accessing healthcare facilities further afield, such as those in Laurel or Meridian, will necessitate using both highways. The drive to Laurel, a city with more specialized medical services, takes roughly an hour and 15 minutes via Highway 45 and Highway 84. Meridian, a regional hub with a broader range of healthcare providers, is approximately an hour and 30 minutes away, primarily via Highway 45.

For individuals with Alzheimer's, the length of these drives can be a significant challenge. The potential for disorientation, anxiety, and the need for frequent bathroom breaks must be considered. The roads themselves are generally well-maintained, but rural roads can be subject to unpredictable weather events, such as heavy rain or fog, which can exacerbate these challenges.

Local roads, such as **County Road 11** and **County Road 15**, provide access within Buckatunna and to neighboring communities. However, these roads are often narrower and may lack the clear signage found on major highways. This can pose difficulties for individuals with cognitive impairments, especially when navigating unfamiliar routes.

**Public Transit:**

Public transportation options in Buckatunna are extremely limited. Wayne County, like many rural areas, does not have a comprehensive public bus system. This lack of public transit presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for individuals who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle.

The availability of any public transportation options would be a critical factor in the "Alzheimer's Score." The absence of a reliable public transit system underscores the need for alternative transportation solutions, such as ride-sharing services or medical transport. The closest public transit would be located in the larger cities of Laurel and Meridian.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are often unavailable in rural areas like Buckatunna. The limited population density and demand do not typically make these services economically viable for the companies. This lack of ride-sharing further restricts transportation options for individuals with Alzheimer's.

Medical transport services are crucial for individuals who cannot drive or lack access to other transportation. Several medical transport providers operate in the region, offering specialized services for patients with mobility issues or medical needs. These services typically require advance booking and may involve higher costs than other transportation methods.

**Medical Transport Brands:**

* **Wayne County Ambulance Service:** This local service provides emergency and non-emergency medical transportation within Wayne County. They are a crucial resource for those requiring immediate medical attention.
* **Private Medical Transport Companies:** Several private companies offer non-emergency medical transportation to and from medical appointments. These companies typically provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel to assist patients. Researching these companies and assessing their services is essential.
* **Medicaid Transportation:** Individuals eligible for Medicaid may qualify for transportation assistance to and from medical appointments. This can be a significant financial benefit, but eligibility requirements and limitations apply.

**Healthcare Access and Considerations:**

The availability of healthcare facilities within Buckatunna itself is limited. Residents typically rely on healthcare providers in Waynesboro, Laurel, or Meridian. This necessitates careful planning and coordination of transportation to access medical appointments, specialist consultations, and other healthcare services.

**Waynesboro** offers a local hospital, Wayne General Hospital, and various clinics and physician offices. This proximity is a significant advantage for residents of Buckatunna. However, the availability of specialized care may be limited, requiring travel to larger cities.

**Laurel** and **Meridian** provide a wider range of healthcare options, including specialized medical centers, hospitals, and rehabilitation facilities. However, the longer travel times and potential for transportation challenges must be carefully considered.

For individuals with Alzheimer's, the following factors are particularly important:

* **Proximity to Healthcare:** The closer the healthcare facilities, the easier it is to access medical care.
* **Transportation Reliability:** Reliable and accessible transportation is essential for attending appointments.
* **Caregiver Support:** The availability of family members, friends, or professional caregivers to assist with transportation and accompany individuals to appointments is crucial.
* **Cognitive Impairment Considerations:** The transportation plan should accommodate the specific needs of individuals with cognitive impairments, including potential for disorientation, anxiety, and the need for frequent breaks.

**Alzheimer's Score Summary:**

Based on this analysis, the "Alzheimer's Score" for transportation and healthcare access in Buckatunna, Mississippi, is moderate to challenging. The lack of public transit, limited ride-sharing options, and the reliance on personal vehicles or medical transport create potential barriers to healthcare access.

The manageable drive to Waynesboro offers a degree of convenience. However, the longer travel times to Laurel and Meridian, coupled with the absence of readily available public transportation, pose significant challenges for individuals with Alzheimer's. Careful planning, reliance on medical transport services, and strong caregiver support are essential for ensuring access to healthcare in this rural setting.