27917, Barco, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 27917, Barco, North Carolina is 25 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

76.33 percent of residents in 27917 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 25.21 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Sentara Albemarle Medical Center with a distance of 13.75 miles from the area.

## Alzheimer's Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 27917

Navigating the complexities of Alzheimer's disease requires proactive planning, particularly concerning healthcare access. This analysis, the "Alzheimer's Score," assesses the ease of reaching essential medical services from ZIP code 27917 (Barco, North Carolina), considering transportation options crucial for individuals with cognitive impairments. This is especially pertinent for those contemplating a move to this area, weighing the practicalities of daily life with the realities of healthcare needs.

The Alzheimer's Score considers drive times, public transit availability, and the presence of ride-sharing and medical transport services. Each factor is evaluated to determine the overall accessibility of healthcare within the region. The goal is to provide a clear picture of the transportation landscape, enabling informed decisions about healthcare access for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's.

The primary healthcare hub for residents of Barco is the Outer Banks Hospital in Nags Head, approximately a 30-to-45-minute drive, depending on traffic. The journey typically involves traversing the scenic but often congested US-158, also known as the "Ocean Highway." This road is the main artery connecting the Outer Banks to the mainland. The route necessitates awareness of traffic signals, potential delays, and the need for careful navigation.

Another option involves using NC-168, a less-traveled road that eventually merges with US-158. This alternative might provide a slightly quicker route, especially during peak traffic hours. However, the roads are narrow, with limited shoulders, which can be challenging for drivers and passengers, especially those with cognitive impairments.

For those unable to drive, public transportation options are limited. The Dare County Transportation System offers a demand-response service, requiring advance booking. This service, while potentially accessible, is not a fixed-route system, and its availability depends on scheduling and capacity. This can be a significant hurdle for individuals needing frequent medical appointments. The system's ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility features, such as wheelchair lifts, are essential but must be specifically requested during booking.

Further complicating matters, the service's operational hours are limited, and weekend availability is restricted. This highlights the need for careful planning and reliance on alternative transportation options for those with Alzheimer's, who may require spontaneous or after-hours medical care.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, operate in the area, but their availability is variable. The Outer Banks, being a tourist destination, experiences fluctuating demand, which can impact wait times and the reliability of these services. This inconsistency poses a challenge for individuals with Alzheimer's, who often require predictable and readily available transportation.

Medical transport services offer a more specialized solution. Companies like Med-Trans and local providers offer non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT). These services provide door-to-door assistance, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. They are particularly valuable for individuals with mobility limitations or those needing assistance during transport. However, these services often require advance booking and can be costly, making them a less accessible option for some.

The availability of these services, while providing crucial support, doesn’t fully address the transportation challenges faced by individuals with Alzheimer's in this area. The reliance on pre-booked services and the potential for delays can be stressful and disorienting for those with cognitive impairments.

Considering all these factors, the Alzheimer's Score for healthcare access in ZIP code 27917 is moderate. While healthcare facilities are accessible by car, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options pose challenges. The variable availability of ride-sharing services and the cost of medical transport services further impact accessibility.

The score underscores the importance of careful planning and consideration for individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. When considering a move to Barco, evaluating the availability of reliable transportation is crucial. This includes assessing the ease of driving to medical appointments, the potential reliance on family or friends for transportation, and the financial implications of using medical transport services.

Furthermore, the score highlights the need for community support and resources. Increased public transportation options, particularly those with fixed routes and ADA accessibility, would significantly improve healthcare access. Partnerships between healthcare providers, transportation services, and community organizations could offer valuable assistance to those with Alzheimer's.

The Alzheimer's Score, therefore, provides a valuable framework for understanding the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access. It emphasizes the need for proactive planning, consideration of individual needs, and the importance of community support to ensure that individuals with Alzheimer's can access the healthcare they require. The score serves as a reminder that the journey to healthcare is not just about reaching a destination, but about ensuring a safe, reliable, and dignified experience for all.