28327, Carthage, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 28327, Carthage, North Carolina is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

61.16 percent of residents in 28327 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.67 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Firsthealth Moore Regional Hospital with a distance of 8.83 miles from the area.

## Alzheimer's Score: Navigating Healthcare in Carthage, NC (ZIP Code 28327)

Moving to a new town, especially for seniors, demands careful consideration of healthcare access. For those living with Alzheimer's disease or other cognitive impairments, reliable and convenient transportation becomes paramount. This "Alzheimer's Score" assesses the transportation landscape within ZIP Code 28327 (Carthage, NC) to gauge the ease of accessing essential medical services, highlighting potential challenges and opportunities.

Carthage, a charming town nestled in Moore County, presents a unique transportation environment. While offering a tranquil lifestyle, its rural setting impacts the availability of public transit and ride-sharing services. This assessment considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services to provide a comprehensive picture of healthcare access.

**Drive Times: The Heart of Healthcare Access**

The primary determinant of healthcare access in Carthage is the ability to drive or be driven. The town's location necessitates navigating a network of roads to reach medical facilities. The most significant healthcare provider in the area is FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital, located in Pinehurst, approximately 15-20 minutes away, depending on traffic and the specific route. The most direct route involves taking US-15/US-501 North, a major thoroughfare that often experiences moderate traffic, especially during peak hours.

Alternatively, one can utilize NC-22 North, which offers a slightly longer but often less congested route, particularly for those residing in the northern parts of Carthage. This route is crucial for those with appointments at the FirstHealth clinic in Southern Pines. The drive time to this clinic averages around 20-25 minutes, depending on the starting point within Carthage.

For specialized care, residents may need to travel further. Duke University Hospital in Durham, a renowned medical center, is roughly a 1 hour and 30-minute drive via US-1 and US-15/US-501 North. This longer journey requires careful planning, especially for individuals with cognitive impairments. Similarly, UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill are approximately a 1 hour and 15-minute drive via US-15/US-501 North.

These drive times highlight the importance of reliable personal transportation or the availability of caregivers willing to provide transportation. The dependence on personal vehicles underscores the challenges faced by those unable to drive due to age, disability, or cognitive decline.

**Public Transit: A Limited Landscape**

Public transit options in Carthage and Moore County are limited. There is no established, regularly scheduled public bus service within the town itself. The primary public transportation option is the Moore County Transportation Authority (MCTA).

The MCTA offers demand-response transportation services, meaning riders must schedule their trips in advance. This service is available to all residents of Moore County, including those in Carthage. However, the scheduling process and the need for advance notice can pose challenges for individuals with Alzheimer's, who may struggle with planning and remembering appointments.

The MCTA does provide ADA-compliant vehicles, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities. However, the limited service hours and the need for pre-booking can make it difficult to access healthcare appointments, especially those requiring short-notice or frequent visits.

The lack of readily available public transit emphasizes the reliance on alternative transportation methods for those who cannot drive. This highlights the need for family support, caregiver assistance, or the utilization of ride-sharing or medical transport services.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Carthage, though their reliability can vary. Availability is often dependent on driver presence, which may be limited, especially during off-peak hours or in more rural areas. This can create challenges for those needing transportation to appointments, particularly those scheduled early in the morning or late in the evening.

The unpredictable nature of ride-sharing services necessitates having backup plans. This could include relying on family, friends, or medical transport services. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a factor, especially for frequent medical appointments, potentially straining a fixed income.

Medical transport services offer a specialized solution for individuals with medical needs. Several companies operate in the Moore County area, providing non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT). These services typically offer door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment.

Some of the medical transport brands operating in the area include FirstHealth Home Care and other private companies. These services require pre-booking and may have specific eligibility criteria, such as a doctor's referral. The cost of medical transport can be significant, and it is essential to investigate insurance coverage and payment options.

The availability of medical transport services provides a crucial lifeline for individuals with Alzheimer's, offering a reliable and accessible means of reaching medical appointments. However, the need for pre-planning and the associated costs require careful consideration.

**Considerations for Individuals with Alzheimer's**

For individuals with Alzheimer's disease or other cognitive impairments, the transportation challenges in Carthage require careful planning and support. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit, and the variable availability of ride-sharing services necessitate a proactive approach.

Family members or caregivers play a crucial role in ensuring healthcare access. This includes providing transportation, coordinating appointments, and assisting with the logistical aspects of travel. The ability to drive or secure reliable transportation is a critical factor in determining the suitability of Carthage as a place to live for someone with Alzheimer's.

The availability of medical transport services provides a valuable option, but the cost and scheduling requirements must be carefully considered. The support of a strong social network, including family, friends, and community resources, is essential.

**Conclusion: A Balancing Act**

Carthage offers a peaceful and welcoming environment, but its transportation landscape presents challenges for individuals with Alzheimer's. The drive times to medical facilities, the limited public transit options, and the variable availability of ride-sharing services require careful planning and support.

The availability of medical transport services provides a crucial lifeline, but the cost and scheduling requirements must be considered. The reliance on personal vehicles underscores the importance of family support and caregiver assistance.

Moving to Carthage with Alzheimer's necessitates a proactive approach to transportation and healthcare access. It involves evaluating personal capabilities, assessing available resources, and developing a comprehensive plan to ensure that medical needs are met. This "Alzheimer's Score" highlights the importance of considering these factors to ensure a safe and supportive living environment for those with cognitive impairments.