11940, East Moriches, New York Alzheimers Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 11940, East Moriches, New York is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

46.66 percent of residents in 11940 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.54 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Peconic Bay Medical Center with a distance of 8.93 miles from the area.

## Alzheimer's Score: Navigating Healthcare in 11940

The sun-drenched shores and tranquil bays of East Moriches, ZIP code 11940, beckon retirees and families alike, offering a slower pace of life and a strong sense of community. Yet, for those considering a move, particularly individuals or families navigating the complexities of Alzheimer's disease, a crucial factor often overlooked is **healthcare access**. This analysis, designed as an "Alzheimer's Score," delves into the practicalities of **transportation** to medical facilities, a vital consideration for maintaining quality of life and ensuring timely care.

The **transportation** landscape in 11940 presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. While the area boasts a certain charm, the relative isolation of the eastern end of Long Island necessitates careful planning, especially when factoring in the cognitive and physical limitations often associated with Alzheimer's. A successful move to East Moriches requires a realistic assessment of how easily one can reach doctors, specialists, and support services.

Driving remains the dominant mode of **transportation** in this region. The primary artery, the Long Island Expressway (LIE), also known as I-495, provides the most direct route to major hospitals and medical centers. However, the LIE is notorious for its traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours. From East Moriches, a trip to Stony Brook University Hospital, a leading facility for Alzheimer's care, can easily take an hour or more, even without traffic. The secondary route, Sunrise Highway (Route 27), offers an alternative, though it too experiences significant delays, especially during the summer months when beach traffic swells. Local roads, like Montauk Highway (Route 27A), provide access to smaller practices and urgent care facilities, but their narrow lanes and frequent stoplights can be frustrating for drivers and potentially disorienting for those with cognitive impairments.

The drive times themselves are only part of the equation. The physical condition of the driver, their familiarity with the route, and the potential for traffic-induced stress all play a role. For individuals with Alzheimer's, the cognitive demands of driving, such as navigation, decision-making, and reaction time, can become increasingly difficult and unsafe. The **healthcare access** challenges are amplified.

Public **transportation** options are limited in 11940. The Suffolk County Transit (SCT) offers bus service, primarily Route 60, which runs along Montauk Highway. While this route provides a connection to the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) at the Mastic-Shirley station, and further connections to medical facilities in other towns, it's not ideal for individuals with Alzheimer's. The frequency of buses is limited, and the routes often involve multiple transfers, increasing the risk of disorientation and confusion. While SCT buses are ADA-accessible, featuring ramps and designated seating, the extended travel times and potential for crowded conditions can be overwhelming.

The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) offers a more reliable and faster route to medical centers further west, but it requires a drive to a station, such as the Mastic-Shirley station. This adds another layer of complexity, as it necessitates navigating traffic, finding parking, and managing the train schedule. The LIRR is also ADA-accessible, but the crowds and the need to navigate platforms and stairs can be challenging for individuals with mobility issues.

Ride-sharing services, like Uber and Lyft, are available in 11940, offering a more convenient alternative to driving or public **transportation**. However, the availability of drivers can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent medical appointments. Furthermore, the reliance on a smartphone app and the need to interact with a driver can be difficult for some individuals with Alzheimer's.

Specialized medical **transportation** services are available, offering door-to-door service specifically designed for individuals with medical needs. Brands like SeniorCare Ride, and others, provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers who can assist with mobility and provide support. While these services offer a valuable solution, they can be expensive and require advance booking, making them less suitable for urgent or unexpected medical needs.

The availability of local healthcare providers is another critical element of **healthcare access**. East Moriches itself has a limited number of primary care physicians and specialists. Residents often need to travel to neighboring towns, such as Center Moriches, Patchogue, or even further afield, to access specialized medical care. This further increases the reliance on **transportation** and adds to the overall complexity of managing healthcare needs.

For those considering **moving to East Moriches**, the "Alzheimer's Score" highlights the need for a comprehensive assessment of **transportation** options and healthcare resources. It's crucial to evaluate the individual's cognitive and physical abilities, the availability of family support, and the financial implications of different **transportation** choices.

This score is not a definitive judgment, but rather a tool to promote informed decision-making. It emphasizes the importance of proactive planning, including researching medical facilities, identifying reliable **transportation** options, and establishing a support network. By carefully considering these factors, individuals and families can make informed choices about **healthcare access** and ensure a higher quality of life in this beautiful, but sometimes challenging, corner of Long Island.