39326, Daleville, Mississippi Alzheimers Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 39326, Daleville, Mississippi is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

26.36 percent of residents in 39326 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.85 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Anderson Regional Medical Center with a distance of 10.76 miles from the area.

## Alzheimer's Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 39326

The golden years often necessitate a delicate balance of independence and support, especially for individuals facing the cognitive challenges of Alzheimer's disease. A crucial element in maintaining quality of life is reliable access to healthcare. This assessment, the "Alzheimer's Score," analyzes the transportation landscape in Daleville, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39326), to gauge the ease with which residents can access vital medical services. It considers drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing availability, providing a nuanced understanding of healthcare accessibility.

Daleville, a community nestled in Lauderdale County, presents a unique set of transportation challenges. The rural setting, while offering tranquility, often translates to limited public transit and reliance on personal vehicles. This is a critical factor for individuals with Alzheimer's, who may experience difficulties with driving or navigating complex routes. Healthcare access, therefore, becomes a primary concern when considering moving to Daleville.

The primary arteries for vehicular travel in and around Daleville are US Highway 11 and Mississippi Highway 19. These roadways, while generally well-maintained, can experience traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours. The drive to the nearest major healthcare facilities in Meridian, Mississippi, approximately 15 miles away, requires navigating these routes.

A typical drive from Daleville to Rush Health Systems, a prominent medical center in Meridian, via US-11 South, takes approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. The route is relatively straightforward, but the distance and potential for delays can be significant for those with cognitive impairments. Similarly, a journey to Anderson Regional Health System, also in Meridian, involves a similar drive time, often utilizing US-11 North and connecting roads. These drive times, while manageable for some, can pose challenges for individuals with Alzheimer's, who may experience anxiety, disorientation, or difficulty managing the duration of the trip.

Public transportation options in Daleville are limited. The primary provider of public transit in Meridian and Lauderdale County is the Meridian Transit System (MTS). However, MTS operates primarily within the city limits of Meridian, with limited service extending to surrounding areas. There are no direct routes that specifically serve Daleville. This lack of public transportation severely restricts healthcare access for those who cannot drive or lack access to a personal vehicle.

The MTS does offer ADA-compliant services, including accessible buses with ramps and priority seating. However, the absence of routes directly serving Daleville makes these accommodations largely irrelevant for residents seeking healthcare in the area. The nearest MTS stops are several miles away, requiring an additional mode of transportation to reach them, adding another layer of complexity for individuals with Alzheimer's.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Meridian, but their presence in Daleville is less consistent. Availability can fluctuate depending on driver density and demand. Relying on ride-sharing for regular healthcare appointments can be unreliable and expensive. The cost of frequent trips to Meridian, coupled with potential wait times, can significantly impact a family's budget and the patient's overall experience.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport individuals with medical needs, offer a more specialized solution. Several companies operate in the Meridian area, providing non-emergency medical transportation. These services often offer door-to-door assistance, trained drivers, and wheelchair-accessible vehicles. However, the cost of these services can be substantial, and availability may require advance booking, adding another layer of planning for healthcare appointments.

The "Alzheimer's Score" for Daleville, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39326), reflects a moderate level of accessibility to healthcare. While the drive times to major medical facilities in Meridian are reasonable, the lack of public transportation and the variable availability of ride-sharing services create significant challenges. Individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers must rely heavily on personal vehicles or explore the more expensive and less readily available options of medical transportation.

This situation underscores the importance of careful planning and consideration for those contemplating moving to Daleville, particularly those with Alzheimer's or other conditions requiring regular medical attention. The availability of family support, access to reliable transportation, and the financial implications of healthcare access are critical factors to evaluate.

Furthermore, the community could benefit from initiatives aimed at improving healthcare access. Exploring partnerships with medical transportation providers, advocating for expanded public transit options, and promoting community-based transportation programs could significantly enhance the quality of life for residents with Alzheimer's.

Ultimately, the "Alzheimer's Score" serves as a valuable tool for assessing the suitability of a location for individuals with Alzheimer's. In the case of Daleville, while the proximity to Meridian's healthcare facilities offers some advantages, the transportation limitations necessitate careful planning and a proactive approach to ensure consistent and reliable healthcare access. The focus should be on bridging the gap between where healthcare is located and where those who need it live, making the journey to wellness a manageable and less stressful experience.