11719, Brookhaven, New York Alzheimers Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 11719, Brookhaven, New York is 65 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

56.71 percent of residents in 11719 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.29 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Long Island Community Hospital with a distance of 3.10 miles from the area.

## Alzheimer's Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 11719 (Brookhaven, NY)

Navigating the complexities of Alzheimer's disease requires a multifaceted approach, with healthcare access forming a cornerstone of effective care. This analysis, focusing on ZIP code 11719 (Brookhaven, NY), aims to assess the ease of transportation to healthcare facilities, a critical factor for individuals and families considering moving to the area or managing the disease's progression. We will examine the available transportation options, considering drive times, public transit accessibility, and alternative modes, to provide a comprehensive "Alzheimer's Score" for healthcare access in this specific location.

The geographical layout of Brookhaven, a sprawling town on Long Island's south shore, presents unique challenges. While the area offers a relatively suburban feel, distances to specialized medical care can be significant. The primary roadways influencing healthcare commutes are the **Long Island Expressway (LIE/I-495)**, the **Sunrise Highway (NY-27)**, and **William Floyd Parkway (CR-46)**. These arteries, while offering efficient travel, are often subject to heavy traffic, particularly during peak hours, which can exacerbate the difficulties faced by individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers.

Drive times to major healthcare providers in the region are crucial. **Stony Brook University Hospital**, a major tertiary care center, is a significant destination for specialized medical services. From central Brookhaven, a drive to Stony Brook Hospital via the LIE can range from 20 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Similarly, accessing **Southside Hospital in Bay Shore**, often requiring travel on Sunrise Highway, can take between 25 and 50 minutes. These estimates underscore the importance of planning and considering traffic patterns when scheduling appointments.

Public transportation, while available, presents limitations. The **Long Island Rail Road (LIRR)** provides service to several stations within or near Brookhaven, including Mastic-Shirley and Patchogue. However, the stations are often located some distance from healthcare facilities, necessitating additional transportation. The **Suffolk County Transit (SCT)** bus system offers local routes, but frequency and coverage can be limited, particularly in the more rural areas of Brookhaven. The availability of ADA-accessible buses is a crucial consideration, ensuring that individuals with mobility challenges can utilize the system.

The LIRR offers a degree of accessibility, with elevators and ramps at many stations. However, the final "mile" problem remains: getting from the train station to the healthcare provider. The SCT bus routes, particularly those serving healthcare facilities, are a vital component of healthcare access. Route S61, for example, provides service to the **Long Island Community Hospital** in Patchogue, and Route 6A connects to **Stony Brook University Hospital**. Evaluating the frequency of these routes, their ADA compliance, and the ease of transfer points is critical.

Ride-sharing services like **Uber** and **Lyft** provide an alternative transportation option. While offering door-to-door service, their availability and cost can vary, especially during off-peak hours or in areas with lower demand. The reliability of these services is a significant consideration for individuals with Alzheimer's, who may require consistent and predictable transportation. Medical transportation services, such as **CareRide** and **Medicaid-approved providers**, offer specialized transportation for medical appointments. These services often provide assistance with door-to-door service, and trained drivers, which can be invaluable for individuals with cognitive impairments.

The availability of these medical transportation services and their coverage within ZIP code 11719 is an important factor in the Alzheimer's Score. These services often cater to specific medical needs, including wheelchair accessibility and assistance with mobility. The process of booking and scheduling these services, as well as the cost and insurance coverage, must be carefully evaluated.

When considering moving to Brookhaven, or managing Alzheimer's in the area, healthcare access is paramount. The availability of a variety of transportation options, including drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transportation, contributes to the overall score. The ease of access to specialized medical care, including neurologists, geriatricians, and memory care specialists, is a critical element.

The Alzheimer's Score, therefore, considers the following factors:

* **Drive Times:** The average time to reach major healthcare providers, considering traffic conditions on the LIE, Sunrise Highway, and William Floyd Parkway.
* **Public Transit Accessibility:** The availability, frequency, and ADA compliance of LIRR and SCT bus routes serving healthcare facilities.
* **Ride-Sharing Availability:** The reliability and cost of Uber and Lyft services.
* **Medical Transportation Services:** The availability, coverage, and cost of medical transportation providers.
* **Proximity to Specialized Care:** The distance to neurologists, geriatricians, and memory care specialists.

Based on these factors, the Alzheimer's Score for ZIP code 11719 can be assessed. While the area offers a mix of transportation options, the reliance on roadways with heavy traffic, the limitations of public transit, and the potential variability of ride-sharing services suggest a moderate level of healthcare access. The presence of medical transportation services, however, can improve the score, particularly for individuals who require specialized assistance.

The score is not a static number; it is a dynamic reflection of the evolving transportation landscape and the changing needs of individuals with Alzheimer's. Regular updates and ongoing evaluations are essential to ensure that the score accurately reflects the realities of healthcare access in Brookhaven. The score serves as a valuable tool for individuals and families planning to move to the area, providing a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities related to healthcare access. The score also highlights the importance of advocacy and community support in improving transportation options and healthcare access for those living with Alzheimer's.