44817, Bloomdale, Ohio Alzheimers Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 44817, Bloomdale, Ohio is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

78.51 percent of residents in 44817 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.09 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wood County Hospital with a distance of 13.54 miles from the area.

## Alzheimer's Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Bloomdale, Ohio (ZIP Code 44817)

Bloomdale, Ohio, a small village nestled in Wood County, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for residents, particularly those navigating the complexities of Alzheimer's disease. Assessing the "Alzheimer's Score" for healthcare access involves a comprehensive evaluation of transportation options, considering the specific needs of individuals with cognitive impairments. This analysis focuses on the critical aspect of **transportation** to and from medical appointments, a cornerstone of maintaining health and well-being, especially for those facing the challenges of Alzheimer's. This is crucial when considering **moving to Bloomdale**, as the quality of life hinges on accessible **healthcare access**.

The primary concern for residents of 44817 is the relative isolation of Bloomdale. The village is primarily served by rural roads, with limited public **transportation** infrastructure. The nearest major medical facilities are located in Bowling Green, Perrysburg, and Findlay, necessitating travel. The "Alzheimer's Score" here reflects the difficulties inherent in navigating these distances, particularly for individuals who may experience memory loss, disorientation, or difficulty with complex travel arrangements.

Driving, the most common mode of **transportation**, presents both advantages and disadvantages. The primary routes to healthcare facilities involve navigating a network of state and county roads. A trip to Wood County Hospital in Bowling Green, for example, necessitates traveling along County Road 10, then transitioning onto US-6, and finally, onto East Wooster Street. The drive is approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. A trip to Blanchard Valley Hospital in Findlay would require a longer journey, taking around 30-40 minutes, primarily utilizing US-68 and I-75.

However, driving is not always a viable option for individuals with Alzheimer's. The cognitive demands of driving, including route planning, traffic management, and reaction time, can become increasingly challenging as the disease progresses. This underscores the need for alternative **transportation** solutions. The "Alzheimer's Score" suffers when the ability to drive is lost, leaving individuals reliant on others.

Public **transportation** options in Bloomdale are extremely limited. There is no dedicated public bus service operating directly within the village. The Wood County Committee on Aging (WCCOA) offers a demand-response **transportation** service, providing door-to-door rides for seniors and individuals with disabilities. This service requires advance booking, which can be a challenge for those with unpredictable schedules or cognitive impairments. The WCCOA vehicles are equipped with some accessibility features, but the availability and reliability of this service are critical factors in the "Alzheimer's Score".

The nearest public bus service is operated by the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA), but its routes do not directly serve Bloomdale. Individuals would need to arrange for **transportation** to a TARTA stop, further complicating the journey. This lack of accessible public **transportation** significantly impacts the "Alzheimer's Score," particularly for those who cannot drive or lack access to personal vehicles.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability and affordability can vary. The availability of drivers in a rural area like Bloomdale may be limited, and the cost of rides can be substantial, especially for frequent medical appointments. Furthermore, the process of requesting and managing a ride-share, including using a smartphone app and communicating with the driver, can be difficult for individuals with cognitive impairments. This adds complexity to the "Alzheimer's Score".

Medical **transportation** services, such as those offered by private companies, provide specialized **transportation** for individuals with medical needs. These services often include assistance with mobility, medication reminders, and companionship. While these services can be beneficial, they are typically expensive and may not be covered by insurance. The cost of these services can significantly impact the "Alzheimer's Score," particularly for those with limited financial resources.

The "Alzheimer's Score" is also influenced by the availability of healthcare providers within Bloomdale itself. The village has limited access to specialized medical care, including geriatricians, neurologists, and memory care specialists. Residents often need to travel to Bowling Green, Perrysburg, or Findlay to access these services, further increasing the **transportation** burden. This lack of local resources negatively affects the "Alzheimer's Score."

The availability of support services, such as adult day care, memory care facilities, and caregiver support groups, is also crucial. These services can provide respite for caregivers and offer specialized care for individuals with Alzheimer's. Access to these services, and the **transportation** needed to reach them, is a significant factor in determining the "Alzheimer's Score."

The overall "Alzheimer's Score" for Bloomdale, Ohio (44817) reflects a challenging environment for individuals with Alzheimer's. The limited public **transportation**, the reliance on driving, and the distance to specialized medical care create significant barriers to **healthcare access**. The availability of ride-sharing services and medical **transportation** provides some alternatives, but their cost and reliability are concerns.

When considering **moving to Bloomdale**, families affected by Alzheimer's must carefully evaluate the **transportation** options and the availability of support services. The "Alzheimer's Score" highlights the need for proactive planning, including exploring alternative **transportation** solutions, establishing a network of support, and proactively arranging for medical appointments.

The "Alzheimer's Score" is not static. It can be improved through community initiatives, such as expanding public **transportation** options, increasing the availability of ride-sharing services, and providing education and support for caregivers. The village can also benefit from attracting more medical professionals and establishing local memory care resources.

Ultimately, the success of individuals with Alzheimer's in Bloomdale depends on the availability of accessible **transportation** and a supportive community. This score serves as a call to action, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions and collaborative efforts to improve **healthcare access** and enhance the quality of life for those facing the challenges of Alzheimer's. The journey to healthcare should be as safe and stress-free as possible, and the "Alzheimer's Score" reminds us of the importance of creating an environment where this is achievable.