14425, Farmington, New York Alzheimers Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 14425, Farmington, New York is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

65.52 percent of residents in 14425 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.76 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is F F Thompson Hospital with a distance of 7.67 miles from the area.

**Alzheimer's Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 14425 (Farmington, NY)**

Navigating the healthcare landscape, particularly for individuals facing Alzheimer's disease, necessitates a comprehensive understanding of transportation options. This analysis, focusing on ZIP code 14425 (Farmington, NY), provides an "Alzheimer's Score" by evaluating the accessibility and suitability of various transportation modalities to reach essential medical services. This is critical for those considering moving to Farmington, ensuring they can maintain healthcare access.

The "Alzheimer's Score" doesn't provide a numerical value, rather a qualitative assessment of the challenges and opportunities presented by each mode of transportation. The score considers factors like drive times, the availability and usability of public transit, the presence of ride-sharing services, and the availability of specialized medical transport, all vital for someone with Alzheimer's.

**Driving: The Primary Route**

For residents of Farmington, personal vehicles are often the primary means of transportation to healthcare facilities. The town's location in Ontario County, while offering a rural charm, presents challenges in terms of distance to specialized medical care.

The most direct route to the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC), a major regional healthcare provider, involves a drive along NY-96, then merging onto I-490 West. This journey, covering approximately 20 miles, can take between 25 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The drive time can be significantly extended during peak hours, or inclement weather.

Alternative routes, like taking NY-332 to I-490, offer slight variations in distance and travel time. These routes are crucial to consider, especially for individuals with Alzheimer's, as they offer potential detours in case of unforeseen circumstances.

For local healthcare, the Farmington Family Practice, located within the town, provides convenient access. This eliminates the need for long drives, making it a more manageable option for routine appointments. However, for specialized care, the reliance on driving to facilities outside Farmington remains.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options within and around Farmington are limited. The Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RGRTA) operates bus routes in the greater Rochester area, but service to Farmington is infrequent and often requires multiple transfers.

The primary bus route serving the area is the Route 11, which runs along NY-96. However, this route does not directly connect to major medical facilities like URMC. Reaching these facilities requires transfers, adding significant time and complexity to the journey.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a crucial consideration. RGRTA buses are equipped with features like ramps and wheelchair lifts. However, the infrequent service and the need for transfers make public transit a less-than-ideal option for individuals with Alzheimer's, who may struggle with complex schedules and navigating unfamiliar environments.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Expanding the Possibilities**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative to driving and public transit. These services are available in the Farmington area, providing on-demand transportation to medical appointments.

However, ride-sharing has limitations. The availability of drivers can fluctuate, particularly during off-peak hours. The cost of these services can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transport services, like those offered by local ambulance companies or specialized medical transportation providers, cater specifically to individuals with medical needs. These services provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment.

These services are particularly valuable for individuals with Alzheimer's who require specialized care and assistance. However, medical transport services can be expensive, and may require prior booking.

**Healthcare Access and the Alzheimer's Score**

The "Alzheimer's Score" for transportation in Farmington, NY, is moderate. While driving offers the most direct route to healthcare, the reliance on personal vehicles presents challenges for individuals who can no longer drive. Public transit is limited and not well-suited for those with cognitive impairments. Ride-sharing provides a flexible option, but availability and cost can be factors. Medical transport services offer specialized care, but are generally expensive.

**Recommendations for Improving Healthcare Access**

To improve the "Alzheimer's Score" and enhance healthcare access for individuals with Alzheimer's in Farmington, several measures are needed.

Increased public transit service, including routes directly connecting Farmington to major medical facilities, would greatly improve accessibility. Enhanced ADA features, including real-time information and accessible boarding procedures, would be beneficial.

Partnerships between healthcare providers and ride-sharing services could offer discounted transportation options for patients. Promoting the availability of medical transport services, and exploring funding options to make them more affordable, would be crucial.

Community education programs, providing information about available transportation options and resources for individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers, would also be beneficial.

Finally, for those considering moving to Farmington, it is essential to thoroughly assess the transportation options available, considering the specific needs of the individual with Alzheimer's. Proximity to healthcare facilities and the availability of reliable transportation are critical factors in maintaining quality of life and ensuring access to essential medical care.