28384, Saint Pauls, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Alzheimers Score in 28384, Saint Pauls, North Carolina is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Alzheimer's Score: Navigating Healthcare Near Raeford, NC (28384)

This review assesses the healthcare landscape surrounding Raeford, North Carolina (ZIP code 28384), focusing on resources relevant to Alzheimer's disease diagnosis, treatment, and support. The analysis considers hospital quality, accessibility, and specialized services, aiming to provide a comprehensive "Alzheimer's Score" perspective for residents and their families.

**Proximity and Hospital Landscape:**

Raeford, a town in Hoke County, benefits from its proximity to larger urban centers like Fayetteville and Southern Pines, offering a diverse range of healthcare options. The primary hospitals serving this area are the hospitals within the Cape Fear Valley Health System and FirstHealth of the Carolinas. Access to specialized Alzheimer's care often hinges on the availability of neurologists, geriatricians, and support services, which are generally concentrated in larger facilities.

**Cape Fear Valley Health System: A Regional Powerhouse**

Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in Fayetteville is the flagship hospital of the Cape Fear Valley Health System. It's a major regional provider and the closest major hospital to Raeford. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Cape Fear Valley Medical Center holds a 3-star rating. While not the highest possible score, it reflects a generally acceptable level of quality, safety, and patient experience. However, CMS ratings are dynamic and can change, so it's crucial to check the latest data.

Cape Fear Valley Medical Center offers a comprehensive range of services, including neurology and geriatric care, which are crucial for Alzheimer's patients. The hospital's website provides information on its neurology department, including the physicians and their areas of expertise. However, information on specific Alzheimer's-focused programs may require direct contact with the hospital.

**Emergency Room Considerations:**

ER wait times are a significant factor for patients and families. Cape Fear Valley Medical Center's ER wait times, as reported on the CMS website, should be checked regularly. Longer wait times can be particularly challenging for individuals with cognitive impairments, so understanding the expected wait before arriving is important.

**FirstHealth of the Carolinas: Offering a Different Approach**

FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst, part of the FirstHealth of the Carolinas system, is another important healthcare provider within reasonable driving distance of Raeford. Moore Regional Hospital has a higher CMS star rating than Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, with a 4-star rating. This suggests a potentially higher level of overall quality and patient satisfaction.

FirstHealth also offers neurology and geriatric services. They have a dedicated Alzheimer's Care Center that offers diagnosis, treatment, and support for patients and their families. The center's services include memory screenings, cognitive assessments, and medication management. This dedicated focus on Alzheimer's care is a significant advantage for residents in the area.

**Specialty Centers and Programs:**

Both Cape Fear Valley and FirstHealth offer specialized centers and programs that may be relevant to Alzheimer's patients. These include rehabilitation services, physical therapy, and occupational therapy, all of which can help maintain function and quality of life. Investigating the availability of these services and their specific focus on Alzheimer's patients is crucial.

**Telehealth and Remote Monitoring:**

Telehealth services are becoming increasingly important in healthcare, especially for patients with chronic conditions like Alzheimer's. Both Cape Fear Valley and FirstHealth offer telehealth options, which can be particularly beneficial for patients who have difficulty traveling or who live in rural areas. These services may include virtual consultations with neurologists, remote monitoring of vital signs, and support groups. The specific telehealth offerings should be investigated on each hospital's website.

**Support Services and Community Resources:**

Beyond hospital-based care, access to community resources is essential for Alzheimer's patients and their families. The Alzheimer's Association has a local chapter that serves the Raeford area, providing support groups, educational programs, and resources for caregivers. The local chapter can be a valuable source of information and assistance.

**Accessibility and Transportation:**

Transportation can be a significant barrier to accessing healthcare, particularly for individuals with Alzheimer's. Considering the availability of transportation services, such as medical transportation or volunteer driver programs, is crucial. The local Area Agency on Aging can often provide information on these resources.

**Physician Availability:**

The availability of neurologists and geriatricians is a key factor in Alzheimer's care. Researching the number of specialists in the area and their acceptance of new patients is essential. Websites like Healthgrades and Vitals can provide information on physicians and their specialties.

**Medication Management and Pharmacy Services:**

Managing medications is a critical aspect of Alzheimer's care. Ensuring access to a reliable pharmacy and understanding the pharmacy's ability to provide medication reminders and other support services is important.

**Caregiver Support:**

Alzheimer's places a significant burden on caregivers. Assessing the availability of respite care, adult day care, and other support services for caregivers is crucial. These services can provide much-needed breaks and support.

**Financial Considerations:**

Understanding the costs of care and the availability of financial assistance programs is essential. Medicare and Medicaid provide coverage for some Alzheimer's-related services, but out-of-pocket expenses can still be significant. Researching the financial assistance options available is important.

**The "Alzheimer's Score" Perspective:**

Evaluating the healthcare landscape near Raeford, NC (28384) for Alzheimer's care involves a multi-faceted approach. While Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, the closest major hospital, offers a range of services, its CMS rating and ER wait times should be carefully considered. FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital, with its higher CMS rating and dedicated Alzheimer's Care Center, appears to offer a more specialized approach. The availability of telehealth services, community resources, and caregiver support are also essential factors.

**Recommendations for Raeford Residents:**

* **Prioritize Research:** Thoroughly investigate the neurology and geriatric services offered by both Cape Fear Valley and FirstHealth.
* **Contact the Alzheimer's Association:** Utilize the local chapter for support and resources.
* **Assess Transportation:** Determine transportation options for medical appointments.
* **Explore Telehealth:** Investigate telehealth options for consultations and monitoring.
* **Plan for Caregiver Support:** Research respite care, adult day care, and other support services.
* **Review CMS Ratings:** Stay updated on CMS star ratings for hospitals.
* **Check ER Wait Times:** Monitor ER wait times for both hospitals.
* **Consult with Physicians:** Discuss individual needs and treatment plans with neurologists and geriatricians.

By considering these factors and proactively seeking information, residents of Raeford and the surrounding areas can navigate the healthcare system and access the resources needed to support individuals with Alzheimer's disease and their families. This analysis is a starting point; individual needs and circumstances will dictate the best course of action.