45827, Cloverdale, Ohio Alzheimers Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 45827, Cloverdale, Ohio is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

56.37 percent of residents in 45827 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.27 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Ridgeview Hospital with a distance of 11.96 miles from the area.

## Alzheimer's Score: Navigating Healthcare in Cloverdale (ZIP Code 45827)

The decision to move to a new community, especially when considering the complexities of Alzheimer's disease, demands a thorough evaluation of healthcare access. This "Alzheimer's Score" for Cloverdale, Ohio (ZIP code 45827), meticulously examines transportation options, a critical component of healthcare access, providing insights for individuals and families navigating this challenging journey. It focuses on the practicalities of getting to medical appointments, a fundamental need for those living with Alzheimer's.

Cloverdale, a small Putnam County village, offers a tranquil setting. However, its rural nature significantly impacts transportation options. The absence of readily available public transit necessitates a reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, or specialized medical transport. Understanding these limitations is paramount when assessing the suitability of Cloverdale for someone with Alzheimer's. The goal is to ensure consistent, reliable transportation to vital healthcare appointments.

The nearest major healthcare facilities are in Ottawa, approximately 10 miles east, and Lima, roughly 20 miles south. These distances, while seemingly manageable, become significant when factoring in the cognitive and physical challenges associated with Alzheimer's. Drive times, traffic conditions, and the availability of alternative transportation methods are crucial considerations.

**Driving Directions and Time Estimates**

Traveling to Ottawa from Cloverdale primarily involves navigating State Route 613. The drive is generally straightforward, with minimal traffic congestion. Under normal conditions, the journey takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes. However, weather conditions, such as snow or heavy rain, can significantly increase travel time. The route is mostly rural, offering limited opportunities for rest stops or immediate assistance if needed.

Reaching Lima requires a longer journey, primarily using State Route 613 and then either U.S. Route 224 or Interstate 75. The I-75 option, though potentially faster, presents challenges for those with cognitive impairments due to its high-speed traffic and complex interchanges. The drive time to Lima varies between 25 and 40 minutes, depending on the chosen route and traffic.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Reality**

Cloverdale lacks a dedicated public transportation system. Putnam County does offer a demand-response service, but this is not a fixed-route bus system. This service, often called "Dial-a-Ride," requires advance booking and is primarily designed for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Its availability and operating hours should be carefully investigated.

The Putnam County Council on Aging may provide transportation assistance, but this is often limited and subject to eligibility criteria. The lack of readily available public transit necessitates a reliance on alternative transportation solutions.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Navigating the Options**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Lima area. However, their presence in Cloverdale is less consistent. Availability can fluctuate depending on driver availability and demand. This unreliability presents a significant challenge for scheduled medical appointments.

Medical transport services are a viable option, specializing in transporting individuals with medical needs. Companies like MedTrans and First Medical Transport operate in the region. These services offer door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment. However, they are generally more expensive than ride-sharing services and require advance booking.

**Healthcare Access: A Critical Assessment**

The primary healthcare facilities in the region include Mercy Health-St. Rita's Medical Center in Lima and the Blanchard Valley Health System in Findlay. These hospitals offer a range of specialized services, including neurology and geriatric care, essential for managing Alzheimer's.

Accessing these facilities requires careful planning and consideration of transportation limitations. The drive times to these hospitals necessitate reliable transportation. The patient's cognitive abilities, physical limitations, and the availability of caregivers significantly impact the choice of transportation.

**ADA Considerations and Accessibility**

When evaluating transportation options, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards are crucial. Public transit, where available, must adhere to ADA guidelines, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities. This includes features such as wheelchair lifts, accessible seating, and audio-visual announcements.

Ride-sharing services are also subject to ADA requirements, although compliance may vary. Medical transport services typically offer vehicles equipped to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility aids.

**The Alzheimer's Score: A Summary**

Cloverdale's "Alzheimer's Score" reflects the challenges of healthcare access. The lack of public transportation, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the variable availability of ride-sharing services present significant hurdles. The distances to healthcare facilities, while not extreme, require careful planning and consideration of the patient's needs.

The best approach is to create a comprehensive transportation plan. This should include a reliable primary transportation method, such as a personal vehicle or medical transport, and a backup plan, such as ride-sharing or assistance from family members.

**Moving to Cloverdale: A Considered Decision**

Moving to Cloverdale requires careful consideration of the patient's needs and the available resources. While the village offers a peaceful environment, the limitations of transportation must be weighed against the benefits.

Families considering a move should thoroughly investigate the availability of medical transport services, assess the willingness of family members to provide transportation, and explore any potential support services offered by the Putnam County Council on Aging. The key is to ensure consistent, reliable transportation to healthcare appointments, allowing the individual with Alzheimer's to maintain their health and well-being. The decision should be made with a clear understanding of the transportation challenges and a proactive plan to address them.