27919, Belvidere, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 27919, Belvidere, North Carolina is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

53.05 percent of residents in 27919 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.69 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Vidant Chowan Hospital with a distance of 16.01 miles from the area.

## Alzheimer's Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 27919 (Belvidere, NC)

Considering a move to Belvidere, North Carolina (ZIP Code 27919)? This assessment provides an "Alzheimer's Score" – a subjective gauge of the ease of healthcare access, particularly crucial for individuals with cognitive impairments. The score considers transportation options, drive times, and accessibility features, offering a nuanced perspective beyond simple mileage. This analysis is not a definitive medical evaluation, but a practical guide for those prioritizing convenient healthcare.

Belvidere, a rural community nestled in Perquimans County, presents unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to healthcare access. The area's charm lies in its tranquility, but this very characteristic impacts transportation infrastructure and the availability of specialized medical services. The "Alzheimer's Score" evaluates the potential stress points of navigating the healthcare landscape.

**The Alzheimer's Score Methodology:**

The score is based on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 representing highly challenging access and 10 indicating relatively easy access. Factors considered include: the distance to medical facilities, the quality of roadways, the availability of public transportation, ride-sharing options, and the presence of specialized medical transport services. Each factor is weighted based on its relevance to individuals with Alzheimer's or related dementias, who may experience difficulties with navigation, memory, and communication.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The primary healthcare provider for Belvidere residents is typically the Sentara Albemarle Medical Center in Elizabeth City, approximately a 25-30 minute drive. The route necessitates navigating primarily on US-17, a major highway. This stretch, while generally well-maintained, can experience traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours and near Elizabeth City. The final leg of the journey utilizes US-158, which leads directly to the hospital.

For specialized care, residents often travel to larger cities like Norfolk, Virginia, or Greenville, North Carolina. Norfolk, offering a wider range of specialists, is roughly a 1 hour and 45-minute drive. This involves traveling on US-17 North, crossing the Virginia state line, and utilizing I-64 East. Greenville, accessible via US-17 South and US-13, is approximately a 1 hour and 30-minute drive. These longer journeys, while providing access to more comprehensive care, can be taxing for individuals with cognitive impairments, increasing the potential for disorientation and anxiety.

The condition of local roads, including NC-37 and secondary roads, is generally good, but these routes are often less direct and may lack adequate lighting. This could pose challenges during evening appointments or in inclement weather.

**Public Transportation:**

Perquimans County does not have a robust public transportation system. The primary option is the Albemarle Regional Transportation Authority (ARTA), which provides limited demand-response service. This service requires advance booking, potentially several days in advance, and operates within a limited service area. ARTA does offer ADA-compliant vehicles, but the limited availability and the need for pre-planning significantly impact the "Alzheimer's Score."

The lack of readily available public transit poses a considerable challenge for individuals with Alzheimer's, especially those who can no longer drive. Dependence on family members or friends for transportation becomes paramount, placing additional burdens on caregivers.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft have limited presence in Belvidere and surrounding areas. Availability is sporadic, and wait times can be lengthy, especially during off-peak hours. This unreliability further complicates healthcare access.

Medical transportation services are available, but their availability and cost vary. These services, often offered by private companies, provide door-to-door transportation for medical appointments. However, they often require advance booking and can be expensive, potentially limiting access for those with financial constraints.

**Accessibility Considerations:**

Sentara Albemarle Medical Center is generally accessible, with ramps, elevators, and designated parking for individuals with disabilities. However, the overall accessibility of the healthcare journey is significantly impacted by the challenges of transportation. The lack of readily available public transit, the limited presence of ride-sharing services, and the reliance on personal vehicles or specialized medical transport contribute to the complexity of healthcare access.

**"Alzheimer's Score" for Belvidere (ZIP Code 27919):**

Considering the factors discussed, the "Alzheimer's Score" for healthcare access in Belvidere, NC (27919) is a **4 out of 10**.

This score reflects the following:

* **Drive times:** Moderate, with the primary hospital within a reasonable distance. However, specialized care necessitates longer journeys.
* **Road quality:** Generally good, but congestion and potential for delays exist.
* **Public transportation:** Extremely limited, significantly impacting access for those unable to drive.
* **Ride-sharing:** Sporadic and unreliable.
* **Medical transportation:** Available but potentially costly and requiring advance planning.

**Recommendations for Individuals with Alzheimer's or Considering a Move:**

* **Prioritize proximity to healthcare:** If possible, consider living closer to Elizabeth City or other areas with better access to healthcare services.
* **Assess caregiver support:** Ensure reliable transportation options are available, either through family, friends, or professional services.
* **Plan ahead:** Schedule appointments well in advance and arrange transportation accordingly.
* **Explore medical transportation options:** Research and identify reputable medical transport providers in the area.
* **Advocate for improved transportation:** Support local initiatives to improve public transportation or ride-sharing services.
* **Consider a move:** Carefully weigh the benefits of Belvidere's tranquility against the challenges of healthcare access, particularly if the individual's cognitive abilities are significantly impaired.

Moving to Belvidere offers a serene lifestyle, but healthcare access requires careful consideration. This "Alzheimer's Score" aims to provide a realistic assessment of the transportation landscape, empowering individuals and families to make informed decisions regarding their healthcare needs.