28403, Wilmington, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 28403, Wilmington, North Carolina is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

89.89 percent of residents in 28403 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.71 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center with a distance of 2.52 miles from the area.

## Alzheimer's Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 28403

Choosing a new home, especially for someone facing the challenges of Alzheimer's disease, demands meticulous planning. The ability to access timely and reliable healthcare is paramount, influencing quality of life and peace of mind. This analysis focuses on the transportation landscape within Wilmington, North Carolina's 28403 ZIP code, providing an "Alzheimer's Score" based on commute times, public transit options, and alternative transportation services. This score will help assess healthcare access, a crucial factor for anyone considering moving to Wilmington.

The 28403 ZIP code encompasses a diverse area, including the historic downtown, residential neighborhoods, and commercial zones. Its proximity to healthcare facilities, particularly those offering specialized Alzheimer's care, is a key consideration. The primary healthcare providers in the area include Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC) and numerous smaller clinics and specialist offices. Our assessment considers the ease of reaching these facilities from various points within 28403.

**Driving Dynamics:**

The primary arteries for navigating 28403 are **US-17, US-74, and US-421**, along with a network of city streets. Drive times are heavily influenced by traffic, especially during peak hours. Morning and afternoon commutes can be significantly longer, making it essential to factor in extra travel time. The Alzheimer's Score considers the potential for delays, particularly for individuals who may experience cognitive challenges.

From the northern reaches of 28403, accessing NHRMC, located near downtown, typically involves navigating US-17 South or US-421 South. During rush hour, this drive could take upwards of 20-30 minutes, even though the distance might appear short. Conversely, residents in the southern part of the ZIP code might use US-74 East or US-17 North, which may also experience congestion.

The condition of the roads, including potholes and uneven surfaces, can also impact travel comfort and safety, especially for those with mobility issues. The Alzheimer's Score will consider the overall road quality and the availability of accessible parking at healthcare facilities.

**Public Transportation: Navigating the City:**

The Wave Transit system serves Wilmington, providing bus routes throughout the city. The primary routes relevant to healthcare access in 28403 include **Routes 101, 102, and 201**, which connect various parts of the ZIP code to downtown and medical facilities. However, public transit presents unique challenges for individuals with Alzheimer's.

While Wave Transit offers ADA-accessible buses with ramps and designated seating, the frequent stops, potential for crowded conditions, and the need to navigate schedules can be overwhelming. The Alzheimer's Score will assess the frequency of bus service on key routes, the ease of understanding route maps, and the availability of real-time tracking information.

Waiting at bus stops, especially during inclement weather, can be a significant hardship. The availability of sheltered bus stops and the overall safety of the waiting areas are also critical factors. The score will consider the walkability of bus stops from residential areas and the availability of assistance for those who need it.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport: Alternative Solutions:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer a more flexible transportation option. They can provide door-to-door service, eliminating the need to navigate bus stops or drive and park. However, ride-sharing relies on smartphone technology and can be expensive, particularly for frequent medical appointments. The Alzheimer's Score will factor in the availability of ride-sharing services, their cost, and the ease of use for individuals with cognitive impairments.

Medical transportation services, such as **CareRide**, are specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments. These services often provide trained drivers who can assist with mobility issues and offer a more personalized experience. However, availability and cost can vary. The Alzheimer's Score will consider the availability of medical transport services, their cost, and the level of support they provide.

**Scoring the Landscape: A Holistic Assessment:**

The Alzheimer's Score for 28403 will be a composite measure, taking into account the following factors:

* **Drive Times:** Average commute times to major healthcare facilities during peak and off-peak hours.
* **Public Transit Accessibility:** Frequency of bus service, ADA accessibility, route complexity, and availability of real-time information.
* **Ride-Share Availability and Cost:** The prevalence of ride-sharing services, their cost, and ease of use.
* **Medical Transport Options:** The availability, cost, and level of support provided by medical transportation services.
* **Road Conditions and Parking:** The quality of roads and the availability of accessible parking at healthcare facilities.
* **Safety and Security:** The safety of bus stops, waiting areas, and the overall environment for transportation.

Each factor will be assigned a weight based on its importance to individuals with Alzheimer's. The final score will range from 1 to 10, with 1 representing the least accessible transportation and 10 representing the most accessible. This score will provide a valuable tool for anyone considering moving to Wilmington and assessing the ease of healthcare access within the 28403 ZIP code.

**Conclusion:**

Choosing a home for someone with Alzheimer's requires careful consideration of transportation and healthcare access. The Alzheimer's Score for 28403 aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the transportation landscape, empowering individuals and families to make informed decisions. By understanding the challenges and opportunities within this specific ZIP code, we can help ensure that individuals with Alzheimer's can maintain their independence and receive the care they need.