27942, Harrellsville, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 27942, Harrellsville, North Carolina is 25 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.99 percent of the residents in 27942 has some form of health insurance. 68.90 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 54.00 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 27942 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 69 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27942. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 226 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 668 health care providers accessible to residents in 27942, Harrellsville, North Carolina.

## Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Harrellsville, NC (ZIP Code 27942)

Analyzing the availability of resources for Alzheimer's care within Harrellsville, NC (ZIP Code 27942) requires a multifaceted approach. We must consider the local physician landscape, particularly primary care providers, and the broader support systems available to patients and their families. This analysis will provide an "Alzheimer's Score" assessment, considering key factors impacting access to care and support.

The foundation of Alzheimer's care often rests with primary care physicians. They serve as the initial point of contact, performing cognitive assessments, diagnosing the condition, and managing co-morbidities. In Harrellsville, the availability of primary care physicians is a critical factor. Determining the physician-to-patient ratio within the ZIP code is the first step. A low ratio, indicating a limited number of physicians serving a larger population, can significantly hinder timely access to care. Researching the number of practicing primary care physicians within the 27942 ZIP code and comparing it to the total population is essential. Furthermore, understanding the age distribution within the population is crucial, as the prevalence of Alzheimer's increases with age. A higher proportion of elderly residents will naturally place a greater demand on available resources.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality and accessibility of primary care are paramount. Are the existing primary care practices accepting new patients? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate varying schedules? Do they have experience in diagnosing and managing Alzheimer's disease? Identifying practices that have demonstrated a commitment to geriatric care, including specific training or certifications in dementia care, will be crucial. This could involve researching individual physician profiles, checking online reviews, and contacting local healthcare organizations for recommendations.

Telemedicine adoption presents a significant opportunity to improve access to care, especially in rural areas like Harrellsville. Telemedicine can facilitate remote consultations with specialists, medication management, and ongoing monitoring. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services within the primary care practices in 27942 is essential. Do they offer virtual appointments? Are they equipped with the necessary technology to conduct remote cognitive assessments? Are they familiar with using telehealth platforms to connect patients with specialists, such as neurologists or geriatric psychiatrists? The adoption of telemedicine can help bridge geographical barriers and provide timely access to expertise.

Mental health resources are an integral part of Alzheimer's care. Patients often experience mood swings, anxiety, and depression. Caregivers also face significant emotional and psychological challenges. Evaluating the availability of mental health services within Harrellsville is vital. Are there psychiatrists, psychologists, or licensed clinical social workers practicing within the community? Do they specialize in geriatric mental health or dementia-related issues? Access to support groups, counseling services, and respite care programs is also critical for both patients and their caregivers. This involves researching local mental health clinics, community centers, and support organizations.

Another key aspect is the availability of specialized Alzheimer's care facilities or memory care units within the area or nearby. These facilities provide specialized care for individuals with dementia, including structured activities, medication management, and 24-hour supervision. Assessing the presence of these facilities, their capacity, and their proximity to Harrellsville is important. Furthermore, understanding the availability of home healthcare services, such as skilled nursing, physical therapy, and occupational therapy, is also important. Home healthcare allows patients to remain in their homes while receiving the necessary care and support.

The "Alzheimer's Score" for Harrellsville, NC (27942) would be a composite of these factors. The score would be based on the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality and accessibility of primary care, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, the presence of specialized care facilities, and the availability of home healthcare services. Each factor would be assigned a weight based on its relative importance, and the overall score would reflect the community's capacity to provide comprehensive Alzheimer's care.

Standout practices, if any, would be those that demonstrate a commitment to geriatric care, including specialized training, telemedicine adoption, and strong connections with mental health resources and support groups. These practices would be identified through research, including contacting local healthcare organizations and reviewing online resources.

The challenges in Harrellsville, and similar rural communities, likely involve limited resources, a potentially aging population, and the need for increased awareness and education about Alzheimer's disease. Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative effort involving healthcare providers, community organizations, and local government. This could involve initiatives to recruit and retain healthcare professionals, expand telemedicine services, increase access to mental health resources, and promote caregiver support programs.

To accurately assess the Alzheimer's care landscape in Harrellsville and surrounding areas, utilizing advanced mapping tools can be incredibly beneficial. CartoChrome maps can visually represent the distribution of physicians, healthcare facilities, and support services within the region. They can also provide insights into population demographics and access to care based on geographic location. This allows for a comprehensive understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system and can help identify areas where resources are most needed.

For a detailed, visual representation of the healthcare resources in Harrellsville, and to gain a more granular understanding of the factors impacting Alzheimer's care, explore the power of CartoChrome maps.