07724, Eatontown, New Jersey Alzheimers Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 07724, Eatontown, New Jersey is 72 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

62.40 percent of residents in 07724 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 5.11 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Riverview Medical Center with a distance of 3.80 miles from the area.

## Alzheimer's Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Eatontown, NJ (ZIP Code 07724)

Embarking on a journey of care for an individual with Alzheimer's disease demands meticulous planning, particularly concerning healthcare access. This "Alzheimer's Score" for Eatontown, New Jersey (ZIP code 07724) assesses the ease and feasibility of **transportation** options to medical facilities, a critical factor when considering **healthcare access** for someone facing cognitive decline. This analysis is especially pertinent for those **moving to Eatontown**, seeking a supportive environment.

The core of this assessment revolves around drive times, public transit, ride-share availability, and medical transport options, all carefully evaluated to determine the practicalities of accessing essential healthcare services. The score considers the challenges faced by individuals with Alzheimer's, including impaired memory, disorientation, and difficulties navigating unfamiliar environments.

Eatontown, nestled in Monmouth County, offers a blend of suburban convenience and coastal proximity. However, the efficiency of accessing healthcare is paramount.

**Drive Time Dynamics:**

The primary arteries for vehicular travel within and around Eatontown are the Garden State Parkway, the bustling Route 35, and the more local roads like Wyckoff Road and Monmouth Road. These roads are crucial for reaching medical appointments, therapy sessions, and specialized care facilities.

Driving times can fluctuate significantly based on traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours. The Garden State Parkway, while generally efficient, can experience slowdowns, especially during the summer months when beach traffic swells. Route 35, a major commercial thoroughfare, is frequently congested, adding to commute times.

For example, a trip from the center of Eatontown to Monmouth Medical Center, a major healthcare provider, typically takes approximately 10-15 minutes without traffic. However, during rush hour, this could easily extend to 20-30 minutes, a considerable increase for someone with Alzheimer's, potentially causing anxiety and frustration.

Accessing specialist care in nearby towns, such as Red Bank or Long Branch, requires navigating similar road networks. The journey to Red Bank, often involving Route 35, could take 15-25 minutes depending on traffic. Long Branch, with its proximity to the coast, might take a similar amount of time, with the added potential for summer traffic delays.

The availability of convenient parking at healthcare facilities is another factor to consider. While most facilities in the area offer ample parking, navigating parking lots and finding a suitable space can be challenging for someone with cognitive impairments.

**Public Transit Considerations:**

Public transit options in Eatontown are available, though they may not be ideal for individuals with Alzheimer's. New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) operates bus routes that serve the area.

The 838 bus route, for example, provides service along Route 35, connecting Eatontown with surrounding towns and potentially offering access to healthcare facilities. However, bus travel can be time-consuming and involve multiple transfers, adding to the complexity of the journey.

While NJ Transit buses are equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including wheelchair accessibility, the overall experience can be overwhelming for someone with cognitive impairments. The potential for delays, crowded conditions, and the need to navigate unfamiliar routes can be disorienting.

The nearest train station is in Long Branch, requiring a bus or car ride to access. This further complicates the journey, making it less practical for routine healthcare appointments.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport Options:**

Ride-share services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Eatontown, offering a convenient alternative to driving or public transit. These services can be particularly helpful for individuals who are unable to drive or who find navigating public transit challenging.

However, ride-share services are not without their limitations. Wait times can vary, and the cost can be a factor, especially for frequent appointments. Additionally, the driver's familiarity with the individual's needs and preferences may be limited.

Medical transport services, such as Senior Transportation Services and other private companies, specialize in providing transportation for individuals with medical needs. These services often offer door-to-door assistance, including help with getting in and out of vehicles and accompanying the individual to appointments.

While medical transport services offer a higher level of care and support, they can be more expensive than ride-share services. It is essential to research and compare different providers to find the best fit for individual needs and budget.

**Scoring and Conclusion:**

Based on the analysis, the "Alzheimer's Score" for Eatontown, NJ (07724) reflects a mixed picture regarding healthcare access. While drive times to major healthcare facilities are generally reasonable, traffic congestion can be a concern, especially during peak hours. Public transit options are available but may not be the most practical choice for individuals with Alzheimer's. Ride-share services offer a convenient alternative, while medical transport services provide a higher level of care and support.

The score considers the availability of various **transportation** options, the potential challenges posed by traffic, and the overall ease of accessing **healthcare access** for someone with Alzheimer's. For those **moving to Eatontown**, a careful evaluation of these factors is crucial to ensure that healthcare needs can be met effectively and with minimal stress for the individual.

The score is not a definitive number but rather a qualitative assessment based on the available information. The ideal scenario involves a combination of readily available **transportation**, a supportive network of caregivers, and a healthcare system that understands the unique needs of individuals with Alzheimer's.