27814, Blounts Creek, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 27814, Blounts Creek, North Carolina is 17 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

35.55 percent of residents in 27814 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 27.04 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Carolina East Medical Center with a distance of 21.87 miles from the area.

## Alzheimer's Score: Navigating Healthcare in 27814 for Seniors

The decision to relocate, especially for seniors, often involves complex considerations. For individuals, or their loved ones, facing the challenges of Alzheimer's disease, factors like **transportation** and **healthcare access** become paramount. This analysis provides an Alzheimer's Score for ZIP Code 27814 (Blounts Creek, North Carolina), evaluating the ease of reaching vital medical services. This score aims to provide a realistic picture of available options, enabling informed decisions regarding a potential move.

ZIP Code 27814, nestled in Beaufort County, presents a unique **transportation** landscape. Rural settings often translate to longer travel times and reliance on personal vehicles. Understanding these limitations is crucial for those managing Alzheimer's. We will consider drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport options to determine the feasibility of **healthcare access**.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The primary arteries in and around 27814 are US-17 and NC-306. These roadways, while generally well-maintained, can experience congestion during peak hours, potentially exacerbating travel times. For example, a drive to Vidant Beaufort Hospital in Washington, NC, a critical healthcare provider, involves a journey of approximately 15-20 miles, typically taking 25-35 minutes via US-17 South. This journey requires navigating a two-lane highway, potentially stressful for individuals with cognitive impairments.

Specialist appointments, like neurology or cardiology, often necessitate travel to Greenville, NC. This trip, roughly 40 miles via US-17 North, can consume an hour or more, depending on traffic. These longer distances highlight the importance of pre-planning and considering the individual's comfort levels during extended travel. The roads are mostly rural, with limited rest stops.

Emergency situations demand rapid response. The nearest emergency room is Vidant Beaufort Hospital. The response time, dependent on location within 27814 and traffic conditions, can be a critical factor.

**Public Transit: A Limited Landscape:**

Public **transportation** options in Beaufort County are limited. The county operates a demand-response system, Beaufort County Transit, which requires advance booking. This service, while offering door-to-door service, may have limited availability and specific operating hours. Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is a key consideration. Vehicles are equipped with ADA-compliant features, including wheelchair lifts. However, the need to schedule rides in advance can pose a challenge for spontaneous medical needs.

The absence of fixed-route bus services within 27814 significantly reduces independent mobility. Reliance on family, friends, or scheduled services becomes essential for accessing healthcare. This lack of readily available **transportation** can impact the frequency of medical appointments and social interactions.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, may be available, though their presence in 27814 is not guaranteed. Availability depends on driver density and demand. The cost of these services can fluctuate, adding another layer of complexity to budgeting for healthcare-related travel. Confirming the availability of these services is vital before a move.

Specialized medical **transportation** services are available. These companies provide non-emergency medical **transportation** (NEMT) for individuals needing assistance. Services like Firstat Nursing Services or MedRide offer door-to-door service with trained personnel. These services are often more expensive than ride-sharing or public transit but provide a higher level of care and support. They are a vital lifeline for those unable to drive or use public transit.

**Medical Transport Brands:**

Researching and identifying reliable medical **transportation** brands is a crucial step. Consider factors like insurance coverage, service area, and the level of assistance provided. Pre-booking these services well in advance is often necessary, especially for appointments outside of the immediate area.

**Healthcare Access and Considerations:**

The primary healthcare provider for residents of 27814 is Vidant Beaufort Hospital. The hospital offers a range of services, including primary care, specialist consultations, and emergency care. However, the availability of specialized geriatric care and memory care services within the immediate vicinity is a critical factor.

Access to specialized care, such as neurologists, geriatricians, and memory care specialists, may require travel to Greenville or other regional medical centers. This can impact the frequency of appointments and the overall convenience of **healthcare access**.

The availability of pharmacies, home healthcare services, and support groups within the community is also essential. Proximity to these resources can significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers.

**Moving to Blounts Creek: A Balanced Perspective:**

Considering a move to Blounts Creek (27814) requires a balanced assessment. The rural setting offers tranquility and a slower pace of life, potentially beneficial for some individuals. However, the limitations in **transportation** and the need for longer travel times to access specialized healthcare services are significant considerations.

Caregivers must be prepared to shoulder a greater responsibility for **transportation** and appointment scheduling. The lack of readily available public transit and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services emphasize the need for careful planning and reliance on personal vehicles or specialized medical **transportation**.

**Alzheimer's Score Summary:**

Based on the factors analyzed, the Alzheimer's Score for 27814 reflects a moderate level of **healthcare access**. While Vidant Beaufort Hospital provides essential services, the limitations in **transportation**, the need for longer travel times to access specialized care, and the limited availability of public transit pose challenges. The score is influenced by the necessity for meticulous planning and the potential reliance on family, friends, or specialized medical **transportation**.

This analysis is not exhaustive and should be supplemented by individual assessments and consultations with healthcare professionals. It is designed to provide a realistic overview of the challenges and opportunities for those considering **moving to Blounts Creek** while managing Alzheimer's disease. The availability of support networks, caregiver resources, and the individual's specific needs will ultimately determine the suitability of this location.