28349, Kenansville, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 28349, Kenansville, North Carolina is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

57.79 percent of residents in 28349 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.71 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Vidant Duplin Hospital with a distance of 2.08 miles from the area.

## Alzheimer's Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 28349 (Kenansville, NC)

Nestled in the heart of Duplin County, North Carolina, ZIP code 28349 encompasses the charming town of Kenansville. For individuals and families considering a move to this rural haven, particularly those navigating the complexities of Alzheimer's disease, a thorough understanding of healthcare access is paramount. This "Alzheimer's Score" write-up examines the transportation landscape, a critical factor influencing healthcare access within and around Kenansville.

The ability to efficiently and safely reach medical appointments is a cornerstone of care for those with Alzheimer's. This analysis delves into the practicalities of transportation options, from personal vehicles to public transit and ride-sharing services, offering a realistic assessment of the challenges and opportunities presented by the local infrastructure.

**The Road Ahead: Navigating the Highways and Byways**

For residents of Kenansville, personal vehicles remain the primary mode of transportation. The town itself is small, with local travel primarily relying on well-maintained, albeit often two-lane, roads. The central thoroughfare, **NC-24**, provides a crucial east-west artery, connecting Kenansville to neighboring towns and cities. Accessing larger healthcare facilities, however, necessitates venturing beyond the immediate vicinity.

A journey to larger hospitals or specialist clinics will often involve driving on **US-117**, a north-south route that intersects with NC-24. This highway offers a more direct path to destinations like Sampson Regional Medical Center in Clinton (approximately 20-30 minutes away) or New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington (around 1 hour and 30 minutes). The condition of these highways is generally good, but traffic can be a factor, especially during peak hours and on weekends, potentially impacting drive times.

The drive times themselves are a critical consideration. Someone with Alzheimer's might experience increased anxiety or confusion during longer car rides. The time spent in transit, coupled with the potential for navigational challenges, can significantly impact their overall well-being and the caregiver's ability to provide support.

**Public Transit: A Limited Landscape**

Public transportation options in Kenansville are exceedingly limited. Duplin County does not have a dedicated public bus system. This lack of public transit presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for individuals who cannot drive or who are no longer safe to operate a vehicle.

While this lack of public transit is a serious consideration, the county does offer a demand-response transportation service, "Duplin County Transportation." This service provides door-to-door transportation for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and the general public, but it requires advance booking and is subject to availability. This service is designed to accommodate individuals with disabilities and offers ADA-compliant vehicles. However, the limited service hours and the need for pre-planning can create challenges, particularly for urgent or unexpected medical needs.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the larger cities, but their presence in Kenansville is sporadic and unreliable. The availability of drivers is often limited, and wait times can be significant, especially during off-peak hours or in the evenings. This unreliability poses a significant challenge for those needing consistent and timely transportation to medical appointments.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. These services often employ trained personnel and vehicles equipped to handle the needs of individuals with disabilities or medical conditions. While these services are available in the region, they can be expensive, and their availability may be limited depending on the specific needs and location.

**The Healthcare Access Equation: A Complex Calculation**

The "Alzheimer's Score" for transportation in Kenansville reveals a complex picture. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with the limited public transit and ride-sharing options, presents challenges for those with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. The distance to larger healthcare facilities, while manageable by car, requires careful planning and consideration of potential delays.

The absence of robust public transportation options, combined with the unreliable nature of ride-sharing services, necessitates a proactive approach to healthcare access. Families considering a move to Kenansville, particularly those with loved ones affected by Alzheimer's, must carefully evaluate the availability of medical transportation services and factor in the potential costs and logistical complexities.

**Moving to Kenansville: A Thoughtful Consideration**

For individuals considering a move to Kenansville, a thorough assessment of healthcare access is crucial. The rural setting, while offering a tranquil lifestyle, presents unique challenges in terms of transportation and healthcare access. Families should research the availability of specialized medical transportation services, explore the potential for caregiver support, and consider the proximity to healthcare facilities when making their decision.

The "Alzheimer's Score" highlights the need for careful planning and proactive measures to ensure that individuals with Alzheimer's can maintain access to the healthcare they need. The availability of transportation, the distance to medical facilities, and the support systems available are all critical factors in determining the suitability of Kenansville as a place to live.

**The Verdict: A Call for Proactive Planning**

In conclusion, the transportation landscape in Kenansville, while offering some options, requires a proactive approach to healthcare access. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit, and the sporadic availability of ride-sharing services necessitate careful planning and consideration. Families considering a move to this charming town must prioritize healthcare access, explore all available transportation options, and ensure that adequate support systems are in place to meet the unique needs of individuals with Alzheimer's. The "Alzheimer's Score" serves as a reminder that while Kenansville may offer a peaceful retreat, navigating the complexities of healthcare access requires careful evaluation and thoughtful preparation.