28578, Seven Springs, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 28578, Seven Springs, North Carolina is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

58.27 percent of residents in 28578 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.41 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wayne Memorial Hospital with a distance of 13.61 miles from the area.

## Alzheimer's Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 28578

The tranquil expanse of Seven Springs, North Carolina, nestled within ZIP code 28578, offers a slower pace of life, a balm for the soul. However, for individuals and families grappling with Alzheimer's disease, the serenity of rural living must be carefully weighed against the realities of healthcare access. This "Alzheimer's Score" for transportation to healthcare in 28578 assesses the ease and practicality of reaching essential medical services, a crucial factor for those considering or already residing in the area. The goal is to provide a clear picture of the transportation landscape, empowering informed decisions for those navigating the complexities of Alzheimer's care.

The primary concern for residents of Seven Springs is the distance to specialized healthcare facilities. While the town itself may offer basic medical care, comprehensive Alzheimer's treatment, including diagnosis, medication management, and specialized therapies, often necessitates travel to larger towns and cities. This reliance on transportation becomes a critical factor, especially as the disease progresses and mobility and cognitive abilities decline.

The most direct route to larger medical centers, such as those in Goldsboro or Kinston, involves driving. From Seven Springs, the primary artery is **US Highway 117**, a two-lane road that can experience moderate traffic, especially during peak hours. Depending on the destination within Goldsboro, the drive can range from 20 to 30 minutes, covering approximately 15 to 20 miles. Kinston, further east, is a 30 to 45-minute drive, covering roughly 30 miles, primarily along **US Highway 70**.

The condition of the roads is generally good, but the lack of dedicated turning lanes on some stretches of US 117 and 70 can pose challenges for drivers with cognitive impairments. Navigating intersections and maintaining lane discipline can become increasingly difficult, making the presence of a reliable caregiver or transportation service even more vital.

Alternative routes exist, but they often involve navigating smaller, less-maintained roads, such as **NC Highway 903** and **NC Highway 58**. These roads may offer scenic drives but could be less suitable for those with limited mobility or those prone to becoming disoriented. The time spent on these roads can also be significantly longer.

Public transportation options in 28578 are extremely limited. The absence of a comprehensive public transit system is a significant drawback for individuals who can no longer drive or who lack access to a personal vehicle. There are no fixed-route buses serving Seven Springs. This lack of public transit severely restricts healthcare access, especially for those who cannot afford or do not have access to other transportation alternatives.

The nearest public transit options would be found in Goldsboro, but access to these routes from Seven Springs would require a ride. This is a major challenge for residents of 28578.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Goldsboro and Kinston areas, but their availability in Seven Springs itself can be inconsistent. The wait times for a ride-share can be unpredictable, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. This unreliability can make it difficult to schedule and attend medical appointments. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant financial burden, particularly for frequent trips to healthcare providers.

Medical transportation services offer a specialized solution for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring assistance during travel. Several companies operate in the area, including, but not limited to, **Care Ride** and **First Choice Medical Transportation**. These services typically provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance with getting in and out of the vehicle and accompanying the patient to appointments.

The cost of medical transportation can be substantial, but it is often covered by Medicaid or private insurance for eligible individuals. The availability of these services is a positive aspect of the transportation landscape in 28578, but it's essential to verify insurance coverage and pre-book transportation well in advance to ensure availability.

Healthcare access is further complicated by the availability of specialized Alzheimer's care. While general practitioners in the area may provide basic care, access to neurologists, geriatricians, and memory care specialists often requires travel to larger medical centers. This underscores the importance of reliable transportation options.

The availability of home healthcare services can mitigate some of the transportation challenges. Visiting nurses, therapists, and home health aides can provide care in the comfort of the patient's home, reducing the need for frequent trips to medical facilities. However, even with home healthcare, occasional visits to specialists or for diagnostic testing are often unavoidable.

For those considering moving to Seven Springs with a loved one affected by Alzheimer's, it is imperative to conduct a thorough assessment of transportation needs. This should include evaluating the individual's driving abilities, the availability of family caregivers, and the financial resources for transportation services.

The Alzheimer's Score for transportation in 28578 is, therefore, a complex equation. While the area offers a peaceful environment, the limited public transit, the potential for unreliable ride-sharing, and the dependence on driving or specialized medical transportation pose significant challenges.

The ideal scenario involves a combination of factors: a reliable caregiver, access to a personal vehicle, and the availability of medical transportation services. Careful planning and proactive arrangements are essential to ensure that individuals with Alzheimer's disease can access the healthcare they need while maintaining their quality of life in the serene setting of Seven Springs.

The lack of public transit and the reliance on personal vehicles or paid services significantly impact the ability to maintain healthcare access. This is a critical factor for anyone considering a move to this area with a loved one affected by Alzheimer's.