45816, Benton Ridge, Ohio Alzheimers Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 45816, Benton Ridge, Ohio is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

79.73 percent of residents in 45816 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.62 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Bluffton Hospital with a distance of 9.78 miles from the area.

## Alzheimer's Score: Navigating Healthcare in Benton Ridge (ZIP Code 45816)

The insidious nature of Alzheimer's disease demands a proactive approach to care. One crucial element is readily available and reliable **transportation** to **healthcare** appointments. This analysis, focusing on ZIP Code 45816 (Benton Ridge, Ohio), assesses the accessibility of medical facilities, offering a practical "Alzheimer's Score" to gauge the ease with which residents can access the care they need. This score considers various **transportation** options, from personal vehicles to public transit, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport. Considering a move to Benton Ridge? This assessment is vital.

Benton Ridge, a small village nestled in Hancock County, presents unique challenges and opportunities for those managing Alzheimer's disease. The rural setting, while offering tranquility, often translates to longer travel times and fewer public **transportation** options. This analysis will delve into the practical realities of accessing healthcare within and around ZIP Code 45816, providing a framework for understanding the complexities of care coordination.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The primary determinant of healthcare access in Benton Ridge is the availability of a personal vehicle and the ability to drive safely. The village is primarily served by State Route 12, a two-lane highway that connects to larger roadways. To reach the nearest major medical center, Blanchard Valley Hospital in Findlay, Ohio, residents must navigate approximately 10 miles. This journey typically takes 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

The route to Blanchard Valley Hospital primarily involves traveling east on State Route 12, then merging onto Interstate 75 North. This segment of I-75, a major north-south artery, is generally well-maintained, but traffic congestion can occur during peak hours. Alternative routes, such as using Township Road 205 or County Road 203, offer options but add mileage and may involve navigating more rural roads with potentially slower speed limits and fewer safety features.

For specialized care, residents may need to travel further. The University of Toledo Medical Center, approximately 50 miles away, offers advanced neurological and geriatric services. This trip, predominantly via I-75 North, can take up to an hour, demanding careful planning and consideration for the individual's condition and the potential for fatigue or disorientation. The drive to larger cities like Columbus or Cleveland for specialized treatment is significantly longer, highlighting the importance of local support and early intervention.

**Public Transportation Options:**

Public **transportation** options in Benton Ridge are limited. The Hancock Area Transportation System (HATS) provides demand-response services, offering door-to-door transportation within Hancock County. This service, however, requires advance booking, often 24 hours in advance, and may not be readily available for urgent appointments. HATS operates a fleet of vehicles, some of which are ADA-accessible, offering ramps and securement systems for wheelchairs and mobility devices.

The availability of HATS is a crucial factor for individuals who can no longer drive or who do not have access to a personal vehicle. However, the reliance on pre-scheduled rides necessitates careful planning and coordination with healthcare providers. The limited service area and potential for delays can pose challenges for those with cognitive impairments, requiring additional support from caregivers or family members.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Findlay area, offering a potentially convenient **transportation** option. However, the availability of these services in Benton Ridge itself may be limited, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent appointments.

Medical **transportation** services, such as those offered by First Call Medical Transportation, provide specialized transportation for medical appointments. These services often offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained staff to assist individuals with mobility issues. While these services can be a valuable resource, they typically require pre-booking and can be more expensive than other options.

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

The "Alzheimer's Score" for ZIP Code 45816 is calculated based on the following factors:

* **Drive Time:** The average time to reach the nearest major medical facility (Blanchard Valley Hospital).
* **Public Transportation Availability:** The reliability and accessibility of HATS services.
* **Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:** The availability and cost of these services.
* **Caregiver Support:** The availability of family members or other caregivers to provide transportation assistance.

Based on these factors, the Alzheimer's Score for Benton Ridge would likely be moderate. While the drive time to Blanchard Valley Hospital is relatively short, the limited public **transportation** options and the potential reliance on ride-sharing or medical transport can create challenges. The score emphasizes the importance of careful planning, caregiver support, and proactive engagement with healthcare providers to ensure that individuals with Alzheimer's disease can access the care they need.

**Challenges and Considerations for Moving to Benton Ridge:**

For individuals or families considering a move to Benton Ridge, it's crucial to carefully assess the **transportation** landscape. The following considerations are paramount:

* **Driving Ability:** Is the individual able to drive safely? If not, alternative **transportation** options become critical.
* **Caregiver Support:** Is there a caregiver available to provide **transportation** assistance?
* **Proximity to Healthcare:** How close is the individual to medical facilities, including primary care physicians, specialists, and emergency services?
* **Financial Resources:** Can the individual afford ride-sharing services or medical **transportation**?
* **Community Resources:** Are there local support groups or services that can assist with **transportation** and care coordination?

**Conclusion:**

Navigating healthcare in Benton Ridge for individuals with Alzheimer's disease requires a multifaceted approach. While the rural setting offers a peaceful environment, the limited **transportation** options necessitate careful planning, strong caregiver support, and proactive engagement with healthcare providers. The "Alzheimer's Score" serves as a tool to assess the accessibility of care, highlighting the importance of considering all available resources and planning for the long-term needs of individuals living with this challenging disease. When considering moving to Benton Ridge, a thorough assessment of these factors is essential to ensure the best possible quality of life and access to **healthcare**.