28456, Riegelwood, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 28456, Riegelwood, North Carolina is 18 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

45.56 percent of residents in 28456 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 23.11 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Pender Memorial Hospital with a distance of 23.49 miles from the area.

## Alzheimer's Score: Navigating Healthcare in Riegelwood (ZIP Code 28456)

The journey to healthcare, a fundamental human need, takes on added complexity for individuals facing the cognitive challenges of Alzheimer's disease. This analysis provides an "Alzheimer's Score" for residents of Riegelwood, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28456), focusing on transportation options and healthcare access, crucial factors when considering moving to this area or supporting loved ones already residing there. Understanding these nuances is paramount for ensuring quality of life and timely medical attention.

Riegelwood, a small community nestled in Columbus County, presents a unique landscape for healthcare navigation. Its rural setting influences transportation choices, impacting the accessibility of medical services. The Alzheimer's Score, therefore, weighs the availability and practicality of various transportation modes, considering the specific needs of individuals with cognitive impairments. The goal is to paint a clear picture of the challenges and opportunities, empowering informed decisions about healthcare planning.

**The Driving Dilemma: Highways and Byways**

For many, personal vehicles remain the primary mode of transportation. However, driving presents significant difficulties for those with Alzheimer's. Impaired judgment, spatial disorientation, and memory loss can render driving unsafe. The primary roadways serving Riegelwood are crucial to understanding the accessibility of healthcare facilities.

North Carolina Highway 87, the main artery, connects Riegelwood to surrounding towns and cities. It offers a direct route to Whiteville, the county seat, and to larger healthcare providers. However, the drive can be lengthy, especially for those with limited attention spans. Highway 87's relatively straight stretches might seem simple, but the potential for distraction and navigational errors remains a concern.

Traveling south on Highway 87 leads to Wilmington, a major regional hub, offering a wider array of specialized medical services. This journey, however, is considerably longer, requiring approximately an hour of driving, depending on traffic. The route involves navigating multiple intersections and potentially encountering heavy traffic on US 74/76, increasing the cognitive load for the driver.

Smaller roads, such as Peacock Road and Old Lake Road, provide access to local amenities and residences. These roads, however, are often less well-maintained and may lack clear signage, further complicating navigation for individuals with cognitive decline. The condition of the roads and the lack of adequate lighting at night also pose challenges.

**Public Transit: A Limited Lifeline**

Public transportation options in Riegelwood are limited. Columbus County does offer a public transit system, but it operates on a demand-response basis, meaning rides must be scheduled in advance. This system, while offering ADA-accessible vehicles, may not be ideal for individuals with Alzheimer's who may require immediate transportation or have difficulty with scheduling.

The limited frequency and potential wait times associated with demand-response transit can be stressful and disorienting for individuals with cognitive impairments. The need for advance planning and the lack of readily available assistance at transit stops further complicate its use.

The availability of public transportation to healthcare facilities is a crucial element of the Alzheimer's Score. The limited options in Riegelwood significantly impact the overall score, highlighting the need for alternative transportation solutions.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a potential alternative, but their availability in Riegelwood is inconsistent. The rural nature of the area and the limited driver pool can result in long wait times or even the unavailability of rides. The cost of these services can also be a barrier for some individuals.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to cater to patients with medical needs, provide another option. Companies like FirstLight Home Care and Senior Helpers often offer transportation services as part of their broader care packages. These services typically involve trained caregivers who can assist with mobility, medication reminders, and communication.

However, medical transportation services can be expensive, and their availability may be limited depending on the specific needs of the individual and the availability of providers in the area. The Alzheimer's Score considers the cost, availability, and quality of these services when evaluating their impact on healthcare access.

**Healthcare Access: The Destination's Significance**

The location of healthcare facilities and the services they offer are critical factors in the Alzheimer's Score. Whiteville, the closest town with medical facilities, offers primary care physicians, specialists, and a hospital. However, the availability of specialized geriatric care and dementia-specific services may be limited.

Wilmington, with its larger hospitals and specialized clinics, provides a wider range of options. However, the longer travel distance and the potential for traffic congestion can create challenges. The Alzheimer's Score evaluates the proximity of healthcare facilities, the types of services offered, and the ease of access, considering the transportation limitations.

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

The Alzheimer's Score for Riegelwood, ZIP Code 28456, reflects the complex interplay of transportation challenges and healthcare access limitations. The score considers the following factors:

* **Driving conditions:** The quality of roads, the presence of traffic, and the potential for navigational errors.
* **Public transit availability:** The frequency, accessibility, and convenience of public transportation options.
* **Ride-sharing and medical transport:** The availability, cost, and quality of these services.
* **Proximity to healthcare facilities:** The distance to medical providers, the types of services offered, and the ease of access.

The score will be lower than in urban areas with robust public transportation and readily available ride-sharing options. The rural setting of Riegelwood necessitates careful planning and consideration of alternative transportation strategies.

**Recommendations for Improvement**

To improve the Alzheimer's Score and enhance healthcare access for residents of Riegelwood, several strategies are recommended:

* **Expand public transportation:** Increase the frequency and coverage of public transit, particularly to healthcare facilities.
* **Promote ride-sharing services:** Encourage the availability of ride-sharing services in the area, potentially through incentives or partnerships.
* **Enhance medical transportation options:** Support the expansion of medical transportation services, ensuring affordability and availability.
* **Improve road infrastructure:** Maintain and improve the quality of roads, including signage and lighting.
* **Increase dementia-specific services:** Advocate for the development of specialized geriatric care and dementia-specific services in local healthcare facilities.
* **Community education:** Educate residents about available transportation options and healthcare resources.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Journey**

The Alzheimer's Score for Riegelwood underscores the importance of proactive planning and community support for individuals facing the challenges of Alzheimer's disease. While the rural setting presents transportation hurdles, informed decision-making and a commitment to improving healthcare access can significantly enhance the quality of life for those living with cognitive impairments. By understanding the transportation landscape and the available resources, residents of Riegelwood, and those considering moving to this area, can navigate the journey to healthcare with greater confidence and peace of mind. The focus on transportation and healthcare access is paramount when considering moving to Riegelwood.