03869, Rollinsford, New Hampshire Alzheimers Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 03869, Rollinsford, New Hampshire is 81 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

56.50 percent of residents in 03869 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 6.96 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wentworth-Douglass Hospital with a distance of 1.98 miles from the area.

## Alzheimer's Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Rollinsford, NH (ZIP Code 03869)

The golden years beckon, and with them, the potential for challenges like Alzheimer's disease. Choosing a place to live, especially for those facing or anticipating such difficulties, demands careful consideration of healthcare access. This analysis, an "Alzheimer's Score," delves into the transportation landscape surrounding Rollinsford, New Hampshire (ZIP code 03869), a picturesque town nestled along the Salmon Falls River. It examines the ease of reaching essential medical services, crucial for maintaining quality of life and managing the complexities of cognitive decline. This assessment considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing services, and medical transport, offering a comprehensive view of the transportation infrastructure that impacts healthcare access.

Rollinsford's location, while charming, presents unique transportation considerations. The town is relatively small, with a population of around 2,600 residents. The primary roads serving Rollinsford are Route 4, Route 101, and Route 9. Route 4 provides a direct link to Dover, the nearest city with a hospital and a wider array of medical specialists. Route 101 offers access to the seacoast and other communities. Route 9, running through the center of town, connects Rollinsford to neighboring towns and provides a scenic route.

For those relying on personal vehicles, drive times are a significant factor. Reaching Wentworth-Douglass Hospital in Dover, a primary healthcare destination, typically takes around 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. This short commute is a considerable advantage, especially during medical emergencies. Specialist appointments and other medical services located further afield, such as in Portsmouth or Exeter, can extend travel times to 20-45 minutes. These longer journeys necessitate careful planning and consideration of potential traffic delays.

Public transportation options in Rollinsford are limited. The Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation (COAST) provides bus service throughout the region, including routes that pass through Rollinsford. However, the frequency of these routes can be infrequent, particularly during evenings and weekends. The COAST Route 3, for example, connects Dover to Rochester, passing through Rollinsford. While this provides a lifeline for those without personal vehicles, the schedule demands careful attention.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a critical consideration for public transit users. COAST buses are equipped with ramps and other features to accommodate passengers with mobility impairments. However, the availability of accessible stops and the ease of navigating the bus system with cognitive impairments require evaluation. The COAST website and customer service can provide detailed information about specific route accessibility features.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Rollinsford area, offering an alternative to driving or relying on public transit. The availability of these services, however, can fluctuate depending on demand and the time of day. Waiting times, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather, may be longer. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a factor, particularly for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transportation services are specifically designed to transport individuals to and from medical appointments. These services often cater to those who cannot drive themselves or who require assistance getting in and out of vehicles. Several companies operate in the region, including private ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation providers. These services typically require pre-booking and can vary in cost and the level of care provided.

Choosing a location with good healthcare access is essential for anyone, but it is especially critical for individuals with Alzheimer's disease or those at risk. The ability to reach medical appointments promptly and reliably is paramount. Rollinsford's proximity to Dover and the availability of various transportation options offer a reasonable level of healthcare access. However, the limitations of public transit and the potential for longer travel times to specialized medical facilities warrant careful consideration.

For someone considering moving to Rollinsford, the "Alzheimer's Score" would be influenced by several factors. The individual's ability to drive and the availability of family or friends to provide transportation are crucial. The frequency of medical appointments and the need for specialized care also play a role. The availability of ride-sharing services and the reliability of medical transport providers should be assessed.

The overall "Alzheimer's Score" for Rollinsford would be moderately favorable. The short drive to Wentworth-Douglass Hospital is a significant advantage. However, the limited public transit options and the potential for longer travel times to specialist care could pose challenges. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services provides additional support, but their cost and reliability need to be considered.

Ultimately, the suitability of Rollinsford for someone with Alzheimer's disease or at risk depends on individual circumstances and needs. A thorough assessment of transportation options, healthcare access, and personal support systems is essential to making an informed decision. The "Alzheimer's Score" write-up aims to provide a framework for evaluating these critical factors, allowing for a more informed and proactive approach to healthcare planning and ensuring the best possible quality of life.