Alzheimers Score

27937, Gates, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Travel Score

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Travel Score in 27937, Gates, North Carolina

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 27937, Gates, North Carolina is 25 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

30.69 percent of residents in 27937 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.78 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Vidant Roanoke Chowan Hospital with a distance of 19.43 miles from the area.

Health Scores in 27937, Gates, North Carolina

Alzheimers Score 26
People Score 58
Provider Score 23
Hospital Score 50
Travel Score 25

Closest Hospital - VIDANT ROANOKE CHOWAN HOSPITAL

Estimated Cars

Housholds with Cars (%) 27937 Gates North Carolina
No Cars 0.16 0.16 2.14
1 Car 13.76 13.76 19.36
2 Cars 33.91 33.91 40.83
3 or More Cars 52.17 52.17 37.67

Vehicular Access in 27937, Gates, North Carolina

Travel Score Review of 27937, Gates, North Carolina

## Alzheimer's Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Gates, NC (ZIP Code 27937)

The gentle landscape of Gates County, North Carolina, offers a tranquil setting, a place where time seems to slow. However, for those grappling with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers, the serenity can be deceptive. Healthcare access, a critical component of managing this complex illness, is inextricably linked to transportation. This write-up, an "Alzheimer's Score" assessment, examines the transportation landscape in ZIP code 27937, considering the challenges and opportunities for individuals and families navigating the journey to healthcare.

The primary challenge in Gates County stems from its rural nature. The county's sparse population translates to limited public transportation options. This reality necessitates a reliance on personal vehicles for the majority of healthcare appointments. Driving distances, even for seemingly routine check-ups, can become significant, particularly for those experiencing cognitive decline. The stress of navigating unfamiliar roads, managing traffic, and remembering directions can exacerbate the symptoms of Alzheimer's, making the simple act of getting to a doctor's appointment a monumental task.

The most direct route to healthcare from Gates, NC, typically involves traveling to the nearest larger towns with medical facilities. The primary thoroughfare is US-158, a two-lane highway that meanders through the county, connecting Gatesville with neighboring communities. Heading east on US-158 will eventually lead you to Elizabeth City, a regional hub offering a wider range of healthcare services. The drive to Elizabeth City, a distance of approximately 30 miles, can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and the driver's comfort level.

Alternatively, heading west on US-158 leads to Murfreesboro and then to Ahoskie, where you will find Vidant Roanoke-Chowan Hospital. This drive is shorter, around 20 miles, and takes about 30 minutes. The roads are generally well-maintained, but the winding nature of US-158 and the presence of farm equipment can present challenges for drivers with cognitive impairments.

For those without a personal vehicle, the options become severely limited. Public transportation is virtually nonexistent within Gates County. There are no regularly scheduled bus routes or fixed-route services. This lack of public transportation significantly hinders healthcare access, particularly for individuals who can no longer drive or who have limited mobility. The absence of accessible public transit underscores the urgent need for alternative transportation solutions.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the region, though their presence is not as consistent as in more urban areas. Availability can be sporadic, and wait times can be lengthy, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant barrier for individuals on fixed incomes, a common reality for those living with Alzheimer's. The uncertainty of ride-sharing availability and the potential for high costs add another layer of complexity to the healthcare access equation.

Medical transportation services offer a more specialized option. These services are designed to transport individuals to and from medical appointments, often with trained personnel and wheelchair-accessible vehicles. However, the availability of these services in Gates County is limited, and the cost can be substantial. Families may need to explore options outside of the immediate area, potentially increasing travel distances and expenses.

The challenges of healthcare access in Gates County extend beyond the physical journey. The emotional toll on both the individual with Alzheimer's and their caregivers is significant. The stress of coordinating transportation, navigating unfamiliar environments, and dealing with the complexities of medical appointments can be overwhelming. The lack of readily available support services, such as adult day care or respite care, further compounds the burden.

For those considering moving to Gates, NC, or for current residents, careful consideration of transportation and healthcare access is paramount. The availability of supportive services, such as in-home care and memory care facilities, is also a critical factor. Families should proactively research transportation options, including ride-sharing availability, medical transportation services, and the potential for volunteer driver programs.

The "Alzheimer's Score" for commuting to healthcare in ZIP code 27937 is, unfortunately, low. The combination of rural isolation, limited public transportation, and the potential for long travel distances creates a significant barrier to healthcare access. The lack of readily available support services further exacerbates the challenges.

To improve the "Alzheimer's Score," several interventions are necessary. Increased investment in public transportation, including the potential for demand-response services or partnerships with existing transportation providers, is crucial. Expanding the availability of medical transportation services and increasing the number of accessible vehicles would also make a significant difference.

Community-based initiatives, such as volunteer driver programs or partnerships with local organizations, can provide much-needed support. Educating the community about Alzheimer's disease and promoting awareness of available resources is essential. These actions would make it easier for those living with Alzheimer's to access the healthcare they need.

Furthermore, the development of telehealth services, where possible, can help to mitigate the transportation challenges. Telehealth allows individuals to receive medical consultations and monitoring remotely, reducing the need for frequent in-person appointments. However, the availability of reliable internet access is a prerequisite for telehealth services, and this is another area where Gates County faces challenges.

The journey to healthcare for individuals with Alzheimer's in Gates County is a complex one. The lack of adequate transportation options, coupled with the challenges of cognitive decline, creates a significant barrier to accessing timely and appropriate care. While the serene beauty of the county offers a peaceful backdrop, the realities of healthcare access demand attention and action. By addressing the transportation challenges, expanding support services, and fostering community awareness, we can improve the "Alzheimer's Score" and ensure that individuals with Alzheimer's in Gates County can live with dignity and receive the care they deserve.

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Health Scores Near 27937, Gates, North Carolina

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Health Scores in 27937, Gates, North Carolina