39328, De Kalb, Mississippi Alzheimers Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 39328, De Kalb, Mississippi is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

47.68 percent of residents in 39328 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.27 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Ochsner Stennis Memorial Hospital with a distance of 0.60 miles from the area.

## Alzheimer's Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 39328 (De Kalb, Mississippi)

The gentle hum of Mississippi life pervades De Kalb, a town nestled in the heart of Kemper County, ZIP code 39328. For individuals and families navigating the complexities of Alzheimer's disease, the ease of accessing healthcare is paramount. This "Alzheimer's Score" delves into the realities of transportation and healthcare access in De Kalb, providing a nuanced understanding for those considering moving or seeking care within this community.

The fundamental challenge in De Kalb, as in many rural areas, is transportation. Personal vehicles are the dominant mode, making independent mobility a critical factor. For individuals with Alzheimer's, driving often becomes impossible, placing a significant burden on caregivers and families. The availability and accessibility of alternative transportation options, therefore, directly impact the quality of life and healthcare access.

The primary artery through De Kalb is **Highway 16**, which stretches east and west, connecting the town to larger population centers. **Highway 495** provides a north-south route, offering additional connectivity. These highways, while providing essential access, are often subject to traffic delays and the challenges of rural road conditions, especially during inclement weather. Navigating these roads, even for short distances, can become disorienting and stressful for individuals with cognitive decline.

The nearest significant healthcare facilities are located outside of De Kalb. The closest hospital, **Rush Hospital**, is approximately a 30-minute drive, contingent on traffic, along Highway 16. **Anderson Regional Medical Center** in Meridian, offering a broader range of specialized care, is roughly an hour's drive via Highway 16 and Interstate 20. This necessitates careful planning and consideration of the patient's condition, weather, and traffic.

Public transportation options in De Kalb are extremely limited. There is no established public bus system operating within the town or county. This lack of public transit presents a formidable barrier to healthcare access for those who cannot drive or lack access to a personal vehicle. The absence of accessible public transit further exacerbates the challenges for individuals with Alzheimer's, as they often require assistance with mobility and navigation.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are not readily available in De Kalb. This absence eliminates a potentially convenient option for transportation to medical appointments. The lack of readily available ride-sharing services further restricts healthcare access, particularly for those who cannot drive and do not have family or caregiver support.

Medical transportation services are available, though their availability and cost vary. **First Call Medical Transportation** and **Med-Ride Transportation** are among the medical transport providers that operate in the area. These services typically offer door-to-door transportation, often with trained personnel to assist patients. However, these services often require pre-booking, and the cost can be substantial, particularly for frequent appointments.

The cost of medical transportation can be a significant barrier to healthcare access, especially for individuals with limited financial resources. Medicare and Medicaid may cover some transportation costs, but eligibility and coverage vary. The financial burden of transportation can strain family budgets and limit access to necessary medical care.

The accessibility of healthcare facilities themselves is also crucial. Healthcare providers in the area, including the local clinic and the hospitals in Meridian, generally adhere to ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards. However, the physical distance to these facilities, coupled with transportation challenges, can still create significant barriers to care.

For families considering a move to De Kalb, or for those already residing there, the availability of caregiver support is critical. The local community offers a network of support, including churches and community organizations, that provide assistance to those with Alzheimer's and their families. However, the availability of specialized Alzheimer's care facilities and support groups within De Kalb is limited.

The Alzheimer's Score for transportation and healthcare access in De Kalb (39328) reflects the challenges of a rural environment. The reliance on personal vehicles, the absence of public transit and ride-sharing, and the limited availability of medical transportation options all contribute to a difficult landscape. While the community offers support networks, the geographic distance to healthcare facilities and the associated transportation costs present significant obstacles.

Moving to De Kalb requires careful consideration of these factors. Families considering a move should thoroughly assess their transportation needs and explore all available options. Planning for healthcare access, including pre-booking medical transportation and establishing a strong support network, is essential. The quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer's in De Kalb is directly tied to the ability to navigate these transportation and healthcare access challenges effectively.