39573, Perkinston, Mississippi Alzheimers Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 39573, Perkinston, Mississippi is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

41.24 percent of residents in 39573 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.78 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Pearl River County Hospital with a distance of 19.52 miles from the area.

## Alzheimer's Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Perkinston, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39573)

The Mississippi Gulf Coast, with its sun-drenched shores and slower pace of life, holds a certain allure, especially for those seeking a tranquil retirement. Perkinston, nestled within the heart of Stone County, presents a compelling option. However, for individuals and families navigating the complexities of Alzheimer's disease, the accessibility of healthcare becomes paramount. This "Alzheimer's Score" assesses the transportation landscape in and around Perkinston (39573), focusing on healthcare access and its implications for those considering a move, or already residing, in this community.

The ability to readily access medical care is crucial for individuals with Alzheimer's. Regular appointments with neurologists, therapists, and other specialists are essential for managing the disease and maintaining quality of life. This assessment considers the various transportation options available to residents of Perkinston, highlighting potential challenges and offering insights into navigating the healthcare system.

**Driving the Distance:**

For many, the automobile remains the primary mode of transportation. Perkinston's location, while offering a sense of seclusion, also necessitates driving for most healthcare needs. The nearest major medical facilities, including hospitals and specialized clinics, are located in surrounding cities like Wiggins, Gulfport, and Hattiesburg.

From Perkinston, the journey to Wiggins, the Stone County seat, typically involves a drive along **Highway 49**, a major north-south thoroughfare. Depending on traffic, this drive can take approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Wiggins offers a small community hospital, Stone County Hospital, providing basic medical services. However, for specialized care, residents often need to venture further.

The drive to Gulfport, a larger city with a more comprehensive healthcare infrastructure, is considerably longer. The primary route is **Highway 49 South**, which merges onto the **US-90** corridor along the coast. This trip, spanning approximately 40 to 50 miles, can take up to an hour, depending on traffic conditions. This drive can be challenging for individuals with Alzheimer's, who may experience difficulties with navigation, attention, and visual processing. The coastal route can be particularly congested during peak hours and tourist seasons.

Hattiesburg, another significant healthcare hub, lies to the north of Perkinston. The journey to Hattiesburg typically involves taking **Highway 49 North**, a drive of roughly 45 miles, taking about an hour. Hattiesburg boasts several hospitals and specialized clinics, offering a wider range of medical services.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation options in Stone County are extremely limited. There is no established, county-wide public transit system. This presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for individuals who cannot or should not drive.

While specific route numbers and ADA features are not readily available, it is safe to assume that public transit is not a viable option for regular healthcare appointments. This lack of public **transportation** underscores the importance of alternative arrangements for individuals with Alzheimer's.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Navigating the Gaps:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, though their availability and reliability can vary. In rural areas, the response times for ride-sharing services may be longer than in urban centers. This could pose a problem for urgent medical needs. The cost of ride-sharing can also accumulate quickly, particularly for frequent appointments.

Medical **transportation** services offer a more specialized approach. These services are designed to transport individuals with medical needs to and from appointments. They often provide door-to-door service, assistance with mobility, and trained drivers. While these services can be invaluable, they may be costly and require advance booking.

Several medical **transportation** providers operate in the Mississippi Gulf Coast region. These include local companies specializing in non-emergency medical transport (NEMT). Booking and scheduling these services requires proactive planning, and availability can be limited, particularly during peak times.

**Healthcare Access: Considerations for Moving to Perkinston:**

For individuals and families considering a move to Perkinston, the **healthcare access** landscape requires careful consideration. The lack of public **transportation** and the reliance on driving or alternative arrangements create potential challenges.

Families should assess the individual's driving capabilities and consider the availability of support from family members, friends, or caregivers. Planning for regular medical appointments requires anticipating travel times, traffic conditions, and potential delays.

The availability of specialized Alzheimer's care services in the area is also crucial. While Perkinston itself may not have dedicated memory care facilities, the proximity to larger cities like Gulfport and Hattiesburg offers access to these resources.

**Moving to Perkinston** requires a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare infrastructure. Families should research the availability of neurologists, geriatricians, therapists, and other specialists in the surrounding areas. They should also explore the availability of support groups, respite care, and other services that can assist with managing Alzheimer's.

**The Alzheimer's Score Summary:**

The "Alzheimer's Score" for Perkinston, Mississippi (39573), reveals a mixed picture. While the community offers a peaceful environment, the **transportation** limitations pose significant challenges for healthcare access. The reliance on driving, the absence of public transit, and the potential reliance on ride-sharing or medical **transportation** require careful planning and consideration.

For individuals with Alzheimer's, or their caregivers, residing in or considering a move to Perkinston, proactive planning is essential. This includes assessing driving capabilities, establishing reliable **transportation** arrangements, and researching the availability of specialized healthcare services in the surrounding areas.

The **healthcare access** landscape in Perkinston necessitates a proactive approach to ensure the well-being and quality of life for those affected by Alzheimer's. While the community offers a tranquil setting, the **transportation** challenges must be addressed to ensure access to essential medical care.