27920, Buxton, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 27920, Buxton, North Carolina is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

86.98 percent of residents in 27920 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 47.07 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is The Outer Banks Hospital, Inc with a distance of 47.07 miles from the area.

## Alzheimer's Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Buxton, NC (ZIP Code 27920)

Buxton, North Carolina, a sliver of land clinging to the Outer Banks, presents a unique challenge for anyone, especially those navigating the complexities of Alzheimer's disease. The very essence of this coastal community, its remoteness and reliance on tourism, significantly impacts the ease of **transportation** and **healthcare access**. A comprehensive "Alzheimer's Score" for this area requires a deep dive into the available options, considering the limitations imposed by the geography and the specific needs of individuals with cognitive impairments. This assessment will be particularly relevant for families considering **moving to Buxton** or those already residing there.

The primary concern for individuals with Alzheimer's is the ability to reach medical appointments. In Buxton, this often means venturing off the island. The nearest significant medical facilities are located in Nags Head, approximately 30 miles north, or Elizabeth City, roughly 80 miles west. The drive to Nags Head, while shorter, is still a considerable undertaking, especially when factoring in potential delays. The journey to Elizabeth City, with its more comprehensive medical infrastructure, is a full-day excursion.

The primary artery connecting Buxton to the mainland is NC Highway 12, a two-lane road that snakes its way along the Outer Banks. This highway is often subject to traffic congestion, particularly during the peak tourist season. The drive can be further complicated by weather conditions, such as hurricanes or nor'easters, which can lead to road closures. The journey to Nags Head via NC-12 is generally a 45-minute to 1-hour drive under ideal conditions. However, this time can easily double during peak travel times.

For those heading west to Elizabeth City, the route involves a combination of NC-12 and US-64. This longer route necessitates approximately a 2-hour drive, excluding any potential delays. The US-64 portion can experience heavy truck traffic, adding to the stress of the journey. The reliability of these routes is a crucial factor in evaluating **healthcare access** for individuals with Alzheimer's.

Public **transportation** options are extremely limited in this area. The Dare County Transportation System operates a fixed-route bus service, but its coverage is sparse and primarily focused on the northern Outer Banks. There is no direct public transit connecting Buxton to Nags Head or Elizabeth City. The lack of readily available public transit significantly restricts the independence of individuals with Alzheimer's, making them reliant on others for **transportation**.

The Dare County Transportation System does offer a demand-response service, providing door-to-door **transportation** for those who qualify. This service, while potentially helpful, is often subject to scheduling constraints and may not be ideal for urgent medical needs. Furthermore, accessibility features, such as wheelchair lifts and ramps, are available on some vehicles, but the overall availability of accessible **transportation** can be a concern.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Outer Banks, but their presence is inconsistent. Availability can be limited, especially during off-season months or in remote areas like Buxton. The reliability of these services for scheduled medical appointments is questionable. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant burden, particularly for frequent trips.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed for patients requiring assistance, are an option. Several companies operate in the region, offering non-emergency medical **transportation**. These services typically provide door-to-door **transportation** with trained personnel. However, these services can be expensive and may require advance booking. The availability of these services can also be limited, especially during peak demand.

The Alzheimer's Score for Buxton, NC, must reflect the challenges presented by these **transportation** limitations. The score would be negatively impacted by the distance to medical facilities, the limited public transit options, the unreliable ride-sharing services, and the cost of medical **transportation**. The lack of readily available and reliable **transportation** significantly reduces **healthcare access** for individuals with Alzheimer's.

For families considering **moving to Buxton** with a loved one affected by Alzheimer's, a thorough assessment of these factors is crucial. The remoteness of the area and the dependence on personal vehicles or specialized services necessitate careful planning. The need for reliable **transportation** for medical appointments, therapy sessions, and other essential services is paramount.

The availability of support services within the community is also a critical consideration. While Buxton offers a close-knit community, the specialized resources for Alzheimer's care may be limited. Access to memory care specialists, support groups, and respite care can be challenging. The lack of these resources further exacerbates the difficulties faced by individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers.

Furthermore, the physical environment of Buxton presents unique challenges. The coastal climate, with its potential for hurricanes and flooding, can disrupt **transportation** and access to essential services. The vulnerability of the area to natural disasters necessitates careful planning and preparedness.

In conclusion, the Alzheimer's Score for Buxton, NC, would be relatively low due to the significant **transportation** and **healthcare access** limitations. The remoteness of the area, the limited public transit, the unreliable ride-sharing, and the cost of medical **transportation** all contribute to a challenging environment for individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. Families considering **moving to Buxton** must carefully weigh these factors and develop a comprehensive plan to ensure adequate **healthcare access** and support for their loved ones. The reliance on personal vehicles, the need for pre-planning, and the potential for disruptions due to weather conditions underscore the complexities of navigating the Outer Banks with Alzheimer's.