12980, Saint Regis Falls, New York Alzheimers Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 12980, Saint Regis Falls, New York is 17 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

27.08 percent of residents in 12980 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 22.16 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Alice Hyde Medical Center with a distance of 19.14 miles from the area.

## Alzheimer's Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 12980 (Saint Regis Falls, NY)

The decision to move to a new community, especially for individuals and families navigating the complexities of Alzheimer's disease, demands meticulous planning. This Alzheimer's Score report, focusing on ZIP Code 12980 (Saint Regis Falls, NY), analyzes the critical factor of **transportation** and its impact on **healthcare access**. It aims to provide a realistic assessment, considering drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing availability, crucial for those contemplating **moving to Saint Regis Falls**.

Saint Regis Falls, a charming village nestled in the Adirondack Mountains, offers a tranquil lifestyle. However, its rural location presents unique challenges in accessing healthcare, particularly for individuals with Alzheimer's, who may experience cognitive decline, physical limitations, and the need for frequent medical appointments. Understanding the ease or difficulty of reaching healthcare providers is paramount.

**Drive Times and Road Networks:**

The primary means of **transportation** in and around Saint Regis Falls is by personal vehicle. The road network, while scenic, can pose challenges during inclement weather, particularly in winter. Accessing specialized medical care often necessitates travel to larger towns and cities.

The closest hospital, Alice Hyde Medical Center in Malone, is approximately a 25-30 minute drive via State Route 192 and US Route 11. This route, while generally well-maintained, can experience delays during peak traffic hours, though traffic is typically light. The drive involves some winding roads, potentially disorienting for individuals with cognitive impairment.

For specialized care, such as neurology or cardiology, residents may need to travel to larger cities like Plattsburgh, approximately a 1 hour and 45-minute drive via State Route 192, US Route 11, and Interstate 87 (the Northway). This longer journey requires careful planning, considering potential fatigue and the need for rest stops. The Northway, while a major highway, can be subject to heavy traffic during weekends and holidays.

Syracuse, offering a wider array of specialized medical services, is a significantly longer drive, approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes via I-87, NY-28, and I-81. This extended travel time underscores the importance of pre-planning and considering overnight stays for complex medical appointments.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public **transportation** options in Saint Regis Falls are extremely limited. Franklin County, in which Saint Regis Falls is located, offers a demand-response transit system, the Franklin County Public TransportationPublic Transportation (FCPT). This service, however, operates on a reservation basis and may require advance booking, typically 24-48 hours in advance.

FCPT provides curb-to-curb service, but its availability and frequency are limited, especially for trips outside of the immediate area. The service does offer ADA-accessible vehicles, crucial for individuals with mobility issues. However, the dependence on pre-booking and the limited service area present a significant challenge for spontaneous medical appointments or emergencies.

Furthermore, the lack of fixed-route public **transportation** within Saint Regis Falls and to nearby towns further restricts **healthcare access**. The reliance on private vehicles or the limited FCPT service necessitates careful consideration of mobility needs and the ability to arrange **transportation**.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are virtually non-existent in Saint Regis Falls and the surrounding areas. This absence severely limits options for those unable to drive or who require immediate **transportation** to medical appointments.

Medical **transportation** services, such as ambulance services, are available in the event of emergencies. However, these services are primarily for urgent medical needs and may not be suitable for routine appointments or specialized care.

Some private medical **transportation** companies may operate in the region, offering non-emergency medical **transportation** services. These services, however, can be costly and may require advance booking. Researching and securing reliable medical **transportation** options are crucial when considering **moving to Saint Regis Falls**.

**Healthcare Access Considerations:**

The Alzheimer's Score for Saint Regis Falls reflects the challenges in accessing healthcare. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the absence of ride-sharing services create significant barriers. Individuals with Alzheimer's may experience difficulties with driving, requiring assistance with **transportation**.

The availability of caregivers, family members, or friends who can provide **transportation** is a critical factor. The ability to arrange for **transportation** to appointments, including specialized care in distant locations, is essential for maintaining health and well-being.

The remoteness of Saint Regis Falls necessitates proactive planning. Pre-scheduling appointments, considering travel times, and arranging for reliable **transportation** are vital. The lack of readily available **transportation** options underscores the importance of a comprehensive care plan that addresses **transportation** needs.

**Recommendations:**

For individuals considering **moving to Saint Regis Falls** with Alzheimer's, a thorough assessment of **transportation** needs is crucial.

* **Evaluate Driving Capabilities:** Assess the individual's ability to drive safely and independently. Consider regular driving evaluations and the potential need to relinquish driving privileges.
* **Explore Caregiver Support:** Identify and secure reliable caregivers, family members, or friends who can provide **transportation** to medical appointments.
* **Investigate Medical Transport:** Research and identify medical **transportation** services that operate in the area. Understand the costs, availability, and booking procedures.
* **Utilize FCPT:** Familiarize yourself with the Franklin County Public Transportation service, including reservation procedures and ADA accessibility.
* **Plan for Emergencies:** Develop an emergency plan that includes readily available **transportation** options, such as ambulance services or pre-arranged medical **transportation**.
* **Consider Proximity to Care:** Evaluate the proximity of healthcare providers and the ease of access. Consider the need for specialized care and the travel distances involved.
* **Build a Support Network:** Connect with local support groups and organizations that provide resources and assistance to individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers.

**Conclusion:**

The Alzheimer's Score for Saint Regis Falls highlights the challenges associated with **healthcare access** due to limited **transportation** options. While the village offers a peaceful environment, the remoteness and the lack of readily available public transit or ride-sharing services necessitate careful planning and proactive strategies to ensure access to essential medical care. Individuals and families considering **moving to Saint Regis Falls** must prioritize **transportation** needs and develop a comprehensive care plan to address the unique challenges of Alzheimer's disease in a rural setting. The availability of reliable **transportation** is paramount for maintaining health, well-being, and quality of life.