Health Scores Near 27850, Littleton, North Carolina
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The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 27850, Littleton, North Carolina is 20 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 89.86 percent of the residents in 27850 has some form of health insurance. 42.49 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.14 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase. Military veterans should know that percent of the residents in the ZIP Code of 27850 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 1,413 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27850. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,062 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 407 health care providers accessible to residents in 27850, Littleton, North Carolina.
Health Scores in 27850, Littleton, North Carolina
| Alzheimers Score | 7 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 32 |
| Provider Score | 20 |
| Hospital Score | 37 |
| Travel Score | 21 |
| 27850 | Littleton | North Carolina | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Providers per 10,000 residents | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Pediatricians per 10,000 residents under 18 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Geriatricians per 10,000 residents over 65 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
## Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Littleton, NC (ZIP Code 27850)
This analysis assesses the availability and quality of primary care resources within ZIP code 27850 (Littleton, North Carolina), with a specific focus on factors relevant to Alzheimer's disease care. The goal is to provide an "Alzheimer's Score" – an informal metric reflecting the community's preparedness to support individuals and families affected by this condition. This score considers physician availability, practice characteristics, access to mental health services, and the adoption of telemedicine. The information is gathered from publicly available data, healthcare directories, and online reviews.
The initial assessment reveals a potentially challenging landscape for Alzheimer's care in Littleton. The town's relatively small population and rural setting often translate to limitations in healthcare infrastructure compared to more urban areas. The most critical aspect of the Alzheimer's Score will be the physician-to-patient ratio, a fundamental indicator of access. While precise figures for Littleton alone are difficult to obtain, regional data suggests a potential shortage of primary care physicians (PCPs). This scarcity is exacerbated by the fact that many PCPs may not specialize in geriatric care or have specific training in Alzheimer's diagnosis and management. This potentially limits the speed and accuracy of initial diagnoses, critical for early intervention.
The availability of specialized geriatricians and neurologists, essential for advanced Alzheimer's care, is another crucial factor. The presence of these specialists, even in nearby towns, significantly impacts the score. If residents of Littleton must travel long distances for specialist consultations, it creates a significant barrier to care, especially for individuals with mobility issues or cognitive impairments. This travel burden can also affect caregivers, who often shoulder the responsibility of accompanying patients to appointments.
Examining the characteristics of existing primary care practices is vital. The Alzheimer's Score considers whether practices offer comprehensive geriatric assessments, including cognitive screenings and memory testing. Practices that utilize standardized cognitive assessment tools and have established referral pathways to specialists will receive a higher score. Furthermore, the availability of care coordination services, such as nurse navigators or social workers, who can help patients and families navigate the complexities of Alzheimer's care, is highly valued.
Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important in rural areas like Littleton. The ability to conduct virtual consultations for routine check-ups, medication management, and even some cognitive assessments can improve access to care, particularly for those with limited mobility or transportation challenges. Practices that embrace telemedicine and offer virtual appointments will contribute positively to the Alzheimer's Score. This includes ensuring that the practice's website and patient portal are user-friendly and accessible to older adults and their caregivers.
The availability of mental health resources is inextricably linked to Alzheimer's care. Alzheimer's disease often presents with behavioral and psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and agitation. Access to psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists who specialize in geriatric mental health is crucial for managing these symptoms and improving the quality of life for both patients and caregivers. The Alzheimer's Score considers the presence of these resources within the community or nearby areas.
Support groups and educational programs for caregivers are equally important. Alzheimer's caregivers face significant emotional, physical, and financial burdens. Access to support groups, respite care services, and educational resources can help caregivers cope with the challenges of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's. The score will reflect the availability of these crucial support systems.
Standout practices in Littleton will be those that demonstrate a commitment to providing comprehensive and patient-centered care for individuals with Alzheimer's. This includes practices that have:
* **Dedicated geriatric care programs:** Offering specialized assessments and care plans.
* **Strong referral networks:** Connecting patients to neurologists, geriatricians, and other specialists.
* **Telemedicine capabilities:** Providing convenient access to care.
* **Care coordination services:** Assisting patients and families in navigating the healthcare system.
* **Partnerships with community organizations:** Collaborating with support groups and other resources.
The Alzheimer's Score for Littleton, NC (27850) will likely be moderate. While the community may have dedicated and caring healthcare professionals, the limitations in physician availability, specialist access, and the potential lack of robust support services will likely impact the overall score. The score could be improved by increasing the number of PCPs, expanding access to specialists, promoting telemedicine adoption, and developing more comprehensive caregiver support programs.
The overall landscape in Littleton highlights the need for proactive strategies to address the challenges of Alzheimer's care. This includes initiatives to recruit and retain healthcare professionals, improve access to specialized care, and strengthen community-based support systems. The Alzheimer's Score, while not a definitive measure, provides a valuable framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the community's preparedness to support individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's disease.
To gain a more detailed and visually informative understanding of the healthcare landscape in Littleton and the surrounding areas, including the location of healthcare providers, specialist availability, and access to support services, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. Their interactive platform can provide valuable insights for individuals, families, and healthcare professionals seeking to navigate the complexities of Alzheimer's care in this region.
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