15846, Kersey, Pennsylvania Alzheimers Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 15846, Kersey, Pennsylvania is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

81.96 percent of residents in 15846 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 21.05 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Penn Highlands Elk with a distance of 4.99 miles from the area.

## Alzheimer's Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 15846

Considering a move to Kersey, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15846) and concerned about healthcare access, especially given the potential for Alzheimer's disease? This assessment provides a detailed "Alzheimer's Score" based on transportation options to medical facilities, crucial for individuals navigating the challenges of memory loss and the need for consistent, reliable healthcare. We'll delve into drive times, public transit intricacies, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, painting a comprehensive picture for informed decision-making.

Kersey, nestled within Elk County, presents a unique landscape for healthcare access. The rural setting, while offering tranquility, often translates to limited transportation choices, impacting the Alzheimer's Score. This score considers the ease and reliability of reaching essential medical services, factoring in the specific challenges faced by those with cognitive impairments.

**Drive Times and Road Networks:**

The primary route for accessing healthcare from Kersey involves navigating the network of Pennsylvania highways and local roads. The most direct route to the nearest significant healthcare provider, Penn Highlands Elk in St. Marys, is via Pennsylvania Route 255. This drive typically takes around 15-20 minutes, assuming favorable traffic conditions. However, weather, particularly snow and ice common in the region, can significantly extend travel times. This variability directly impacts the Alzheimer's Score, as unpredictable delays can exacerbate the stress and confusion associated with memory loss.

For specialized care, such as neurology or geriatric medicine, residents might need to travel further. The drive to UPMC Altoona, a larger regional medical center, involves a journey of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, primarily utilizing Interstate 80 East and US Route 22. This longer distance presents a greater challenge, demanding more advanced planning and support, impacting the Alzheimer's Score negatively. The extended travel time and complexity of navigating interstates can be overwhelming for individuals with cognitive impairments, making the availability of reliable transportation even more critical.

Smaller towns like DuBois, accessible via Pennsylvania Route 255 and US Route 219, offer some medical services. The drive is approximately 45 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions. While closer than Altoona, the availability of specialized care in DuBois may be limited, potentially necessitating longer journeys.

**Public Transit: A Limited Landscape:**

Public transportation options in Kersey and the surrounding areas are extremely limited. This significantly impacts the Alzheimer's Score, as individuals with Alzheimer's often rely on public transit or assisted transportation. The absence of robust public transit necessitates a greater reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, or specialized medical transport.

The Elk County Council on the Arts (ECCOTA) offers a limited demand-response transportation service. However, this service may have limited hours of operation, require advance booking, and may not be equipped to handle the specific needs of individuals with Alzheimer's, such as providing assistance with boarding and disembarking or offering a familiar face for reassurance. The lack of a readily available, user-friendly public transit system substantially lowers the Alzheimer's Score.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Kersey area, though their availability may be limited, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. This unreliability negatively impacts the Alzheimer's Score. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, particularly for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), offer specialized assistance for individuals with medical needs. These services are crucial for those unable to drive or utilize public transit. However, the availability and cost of these services can vary, and pre-booking is often required. The reliability and affordability of medical transport directly influence the Alzheimer's Score.

Several medical transport providers serve the area, including local ambulance services and private companies specializing in NEMT. These services typically offer door-to-door assistance, including help with mobility and medication reminders. The availability of these services, while improving the Alzheimer's Score, is still limited by the rural setting and the potential for high costs.

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

The Alzheimer's Score for Kersey (ZIP Code 15846) is influenced by several factors. The primary challenge lies in the limited transportation options. The reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing services with uncertain availability, and the cost of medical transport services, coupled with the longer drive times to specialized healthcare facilities, contribute to a lower score.

The availability of local primary care physicians and the proximity to Penn Highlands Elk in St. Marys improve the score slightly. However, the need for specialized care often necessitates longer journeys, adding complexity and potential stress for individuals with Alzheimer's.

The lack of robust public transit and the limited availability of ride-sharing services significantly lower the Alzheimer's Score. The Alzheimer's Score is also affected by the potential for increased travel times due to weather conditions, which can be a significant concern for those with cognitive impairments.

**Recommendations for Moving to Kersey:**

For individuals considering a move to Kersey with concerns about Alzheimer's, careful planning is essential. Prioritize proximity to healthcare facilities and ensure access to reliable transportation.

* **Assess healthcare needs:** Determine the frequency and type of medical appointments required.
* **Explore transportation options:** Investigate the availability and cost of ride-sharing services, medical transport providers, and local transportation services.
* **Plan for emergencies:** Establish a network of support, including family, friends, or caregivers, who can provide transportation and assistance.
* **Consider home healthcare:** Explore the availability of home healthcare services to reduce the need for frequent travel.
* **Communicate with healthcare providers:** Discuss transportation needs with healthcare providers and explore options for telehealth appointments.

The Alzheimer's Score for Kersey reflects the challenges of accessing healthcare in a rural environment. While the area offers a peaceful setting, the limited transportation options require careful consideration and proactive planning for individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. The availability of reliable transportation is paramount for ensuring healthcare access and maintaining quality of life.