44285, Wayland, Ohio Alzheimers Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 44285, Wayland, Ohio is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

55.00 percent of residents in 44285 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.40 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is University Hospitals Portage Medical Center with a distance of 9.18 miles from the area.

## Alzheimer's Score: Navigating Healthcare in Wayland, Ohio (ZIP Code 44285)

The specter of Alzheimer's disease casts a long shadow, demanding meticulous planning for those affected and their caregivers. A critical component of this planning is ensuring seamless **healthcare access**, a task inextricably linked to **transportation**. This analysis delves into the transportation landscape of Wayland, Ohio (ZIP Code 44285), providing an "Alzheimer's Score" assessment for individuals considering moving to the area or already residing there. We'll examine drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing possibilities, and medical transport services, offering a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by this rural community.

Wayland, nestled in Portage County, presents a unique set of considerations. The area is characterized by its rural setting, which, while offering tranquility, can significantly impact **transportation** options and, consequently, **healthcare access**. The "Alzheimer's Score" here will reflect the reality of navigating this environment, acknowledging the limitations and highlighting the available resources.

**Drive Times and Roadways: The Foundation of Mobility**

The primary arteries of **transportation** in and around Wayland are the roadways. Accessing specialized medical care often necessitates travel to larger towns and cities. The most direct route to Akron, for instance, a regional healthcare hub, involves navigating State Route 14, a two-lane highway that can experience congestion during peak hours. The drive, approximately 30 miles, typically takes around 45 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Further east, access to Youngstown and its associated medical facilities requires traversing State Route 14 and then connecting to the Ohio Turnpike (Interstate 80). This journey, roughly 40 miles, can take an hour or longer, factoring in toll booth stops and potential traffic. The Ohio Turnpike, while offering a high-speed option, incurs costs that must be considered in the overall **transportation** budget.

Local travel within Wayland and to nearby towns like Ravenna or Garrettsville relies primarily on local roads, including Wayland Road, Peck Road, and Wayland Center Road. These roads, while generally well-maintained, are often winding and can be challenging to navigate, particularly for individuals with cognitive impairments or those reliant on caregivers for **transportation**.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transit options in Wayland are severely limited. Portage Area Regional Transportation AuthorityRegional Transportation Authority (PARTA) serves Portage County, but its routes and frequency are not designed to meet the complex needs of individuals with Alzheimer's disease. PARTA primarily operates fixed-route buses, with schedules that may not align with medical appointments or offer convenient access to healthcare facilities.

Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible vehicles is crucial. While PARTA does provide ADA-compliant buses, the frequency and route coverage in Wayland are insufficient to guarantee reliable **transportation** to medical appointments. The lack of frequent service presents a significant barrier to **healthcare access** for those who cannot drive or are unable to navigate complex routes independently.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability can be variable. Availability depends on driver density, which is often lower in rural areas like Wayland. Booking a ride in advance is highly recommended, especially for scheduled medical appointments. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, particularly for frequent trips.

Medical transport services offer a more specialized solution. Companies like MedTransport and FirstLight Home Care provide non-emergency medical **transportation**, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services are specifically designed to meet the needs of individuals with mobility limitations or cognitive impairments. However, they can be expensive, and availability may require advance booking.

**Medical Facilities and Healthcare Access in Wayland**

Wayland itself offers limited healthcare facilities. Primary care physicians and some specialists may be available in the immediate area, but access to specialized medical care, such as neurology, cardiology, and geriatric psychiatry, typically requires travel to larger cities like Akron or Youngstown. This underscores the critical importance of reliable **transportation** in ensuring timely and appropriate **healthcare access**.

**Alzheimer's Score Assessment and Considerations for Moving to Wayland**

The "Alzheimer's Score" for Wayland, Ohio (44285) reflects the challenges and opportunities presented by its rural setting. The score is impacted by the limited public transit, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the potential for higher costs associated with ride-sharing and medical transport.

* **Drive Times:** While drive times to regional healthcare hubs are manageable, they require careful planning and consideration of traffic and weather.
* **Public Transit:** Public transit options are extremely limited, posing a significant barrier to **healthcare access** for those unable to drive.
* **Ride-Sharing:** Ride-sharing services are available but may be unreliable and costly.
* **Medical Transport:** Medical transport services offer a viable solution but can be expensive.
* **Healthcare Access:** Access to specialized medical care necessitates travel to larger cities, highlighting the critical role of **transportation**.

For individuals considering **moving to Wayland**, this assessment highlights the need for a comprehensive **transportation** plan. This plan should include:

* Assessment of driving capabilities and limitations.
* Exploration of ride-sharing and medical transport options.
* Careful budgeting for **transportation** costs.
* Consideration of proximity to family or caregivers who can provide **transportation** assistance.

The "Alzheimer's Score" for Wayland, Ohio, emphasizes the importance of proactive planning and resourcefulness in ensuring adequate **healthcare access** for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers. While the rural setting offers a peaceful environment, it also presents unique challenges in navigating the **transportation** landscape. Careful consideration of these factors is essential for making informed decisions about **moving to Wayland** or continuing to reside there while managing the complexities of Alzheimer's disease.