28343, Gibson, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 28343, Gibson, North Carolina is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

83.04 percent of residents in 28343 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.39 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Scotland Memorial Hospital with a distance of 6.42 miles from the area.

## Alzheimer's Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 28343

Assessing the suitability of a location for individuals with Alzheimer's disease requires a nuanced understanding of healthcare access, particularly the ease and reliability of transportation. This analysis focuses on ZIP code 28343, encompassing Gibson, North Carolina, evaluating the challenges and opportunities for residents needing regular medical appointments. The core of this assessment is the "Alzheimer's Score," a metric reflecting the practicality of reaching healthcare facilities, considering various transportation modalities.

The primary concern for those with Alzheimer's is the ability to maintain consistent medical care. This involves not just the availability of healthcare providers but also the feasibility of reaching them. The Alzheimer's Score considers factors like drive times, public transit options, and the availability of alternative transportation services. A higher score indicates greater accessibility, while a lower score suggests significant transportation barriers, potentially impacting the quality of life and care for individuals in the early, middle, or late stages of the disease.

**Driving the Distance: Roads and Realities**

For residents of 28343, the automobile remains the most common mode of transportation. The primary arteries for accessing healthcare are US Highway 74, a major east-west thoroughfare, and NC Highway 211, which runs north-south. These highways, while offering relatively direct routes, can present challenges. Traffic, particularly during peak hours, can be unpredictable, adding to drive times and potentially causing anxiety for individuals with cognitive impairments.

The closest significant healthcare hub is FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst, approximately a 30-45 minute drive, depending on traffic. Reaching Fayetteville, offering a broader range of specialized medical services, requires a longer commute, roughly an hour or more, primarily via US-74 and I-95. This extended travel time, compounded by the potential for getting lost or disoriented, poses a significant challenge.

Smaller clinics and physician offices are scattered throughout the region, but the availability of specialized geriatric care and neurology services, crucial for Alzheimer's patients, is more concentrated in larger towns. The dependence on a personal vehicle underscores the importance of reliable transportation and the need for caregivers to assist with driving and navigation. The Alzheimer's Score will reflect the reliance on personal vehicles and the potential difficulties associated with longer drives.

**Public Transit: Limited Options, Limited Accessibility**

Public transportation in 28343 is limited. The Moore County Transportation Authority (MCTA) provides bus services, but routes and schedules are infrequent, primarily serving the towns of Southern Pines, Pinehurst, and Aberdeen. These services are unlikely to offer direct access to healthcare facilities from Gibson.

Furthermore, the MCTA's ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance is crucial. While the MCTA is committed to providing accessible transportation, the limited route coverage and the need for pre-arranged services may not fully meet the needs of individuals with Alzheimer's, who often require immediate and flexible transportation options. The Alzheimer's Score will reflect the limited public transit options and the potential difficulties in utilizing them.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: A Mixed Bag**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, but their reliability and availability in a rural setting like 28343 can be inconsistent. Wait times can be longer, and the cost can be prohibitive for frequent medical appointments. The availability of drivers familiar with the needs of individuals with cognitive impairments is also a concern.

Medical transportation services, such as FirstHealth’s transport service, offer specialized transportation for medical appointments. These services often provide door-to-door assistance and are equipped to handle individuals with mobility issues. However, availability may be limited, and advance booking is typically required. The Alzheimer's Score will consider the availability and limitations of ride-sharing and medical transport services.

**Healthcare Access: A Critical Component**

The availability of healthcare providers within a reasonable distance is a crucial factor in the Alzheimer's Score. While general practitioners and some specialists may be available locally, access to geriatricians, neurologists, and other specialists is more limited. This necessitates longer travel times, potentially increasing the burden on caregivers and patients. The Alzheimer's Score will reflect the distance to specialized medical care.

**Moving to Gibson: A Consideration**

For individuals with Alzheimer's or their families considering moving to 28343, the transportation challenges are significant. While the area offers a peaceful environment, the limited transportation options and the distance to specialized healthcare facilities must be carefully weighed. The Alzheimer's Score will serve as a tool for making informed decisions, highlighting the need for careful planning and the importance of support systems.

**The Alzheimer's Score: A Holistic View**

The Alzheimer's Score for 28343 will incorporate all the factors mentioned: drive times, public transit accessibility, ride-sharing reliability, medical transport availability, and the proximity of specialized healthcare services. A low score would indicate significant challenges in accessing healthcare, potentially impacting the quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer's. A higher score would suggest a more favorable environment, with readily available transportation options and accessible healthcare.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Landscape**

Living with Alzheimer's requires careful consideration of the practicalities of daily life, especially transportation. In 28343, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limitations of public transit, and the variable availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services create a complex landscape. Understanding these challenges is essential for ensuring that individuals with Alzheimer's can maintain access to the healthcare they need, promoting their well-being and supporting their caregivers. The Alzheimer's Score provides a framework for evaluating the suitability of 28343 as a place to live for those with Alzheimer's, emphasizing the critical importance of transportation and healthcare access.