Alzheimers Score

15863, Stump Creek, Pennsylvania Alzheimers Score Travel Score

Average Rating: 0.0 / 5 stars

0 Reviews

Health Scores

Travel Score in 15863, Stump Creek, Pennsylvania

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 15863, Stump Creek, Pennsylvania is 15 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

71.70 percent of residents in 15863 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 22.05 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Penn Highlands Elk with a distance of 31.57 miles from the area.

Health Scores in 15863, Stump Creek, Pennsylvania

Alzheimers Score 69
People Score 58
Provider Score 76
Hospital Score 70
Travel Score 15

Closest Hospital - PENN HIGHLANDS ELK

Estimated Cars

Housholds with Cars (%) 15863 Stump Creek Pennsylvania
No Cars 0.00 0.00 5.04
1 Car 29.31 29.31 21.45
2 Cars 56.90 56.90 41.29
3 or More Cars 13.79 13.79 32.22

Vehicular Access in 15863, Stump Creek, Pennsylvania

Travel Score Review of 15863, Stump Creek, Pennsylvania

## Alzheimer's Score: Navigating Healthcare in Stump Creek (ZIP Code 15863)

Considering a move to the quiet embrace of Stump Creek, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15863)? This assessment provides a vital “Alzheimer’s Score” – a practical evaluation of transportation and healthcare access for individuals and families grappling with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias. This score is designed to highlight potential challenges and opportunities, ensuring informed decisions about relocation. The goal is to determine the ease of accessing healthcare, crucial for managing this complex condition, especially in a rural setting.

The core of this evaluation centers on the practical realities of navigating transportation to healthcare appointments, a critical factor in the well-being of those with cognitive impairment. This analysis considers drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation services available within and surrounding Stump Creek. The "score" itself isn't a numerical value, but a detailed narrative, painting a picture of the accessibility landscape.

Stump Creek, nestled in the heart of Clearfield County, offers a serene lifestyle, but its rural location presents significant transportation hurdles. The primary route connecting Stump Creek to larger towns and healthcare facilities is Pennsylvania Route 219. This two-lane highway, while generally well-maintained, can experience delays due to weather conditions, particularly during the harsh Pennsylvania winters. Traveling south on Route 219 leads to DuBois, the nearest town with a hospital, Penn Highlands DuBois.

The drive to Penn Highlands DuBois, a vital healthcare hub, is approximately 20 miles, translating to a drive time of roughly 30-40 minutes under normal traffic conditions. This drive time, while manageable for many, can become a significant challenge for individuals with Alzheimer's. The potential for disorientation, anxiety, and the need for frequent stops can make a 40-minute car ride feel much longer. The route includes several turns and intersections, demanding sustained attention, a challenge for those with cognitive decline.

Further healthcare options are located in Clearfield, approximately 35 miles west via Pennsylvania Route 153 and Interstate 80. This journey, requiring about an hour's drive, introduces the complexities of interstate travel. The higher speeds, multiple lanes, and increased traffic volume on I-80 can be overwhelming for someone with cognitive impairments. The need to navigate on- and off-ramps adds another layer of complexity, potentially triggering confusion and distress.

Public transportation options in Stump Creek and the surrounding areas are limited. The Clearfield County Area Transportation Authority (CCATA) provides some service, but its reach into Stump Creek is minimal. CCATA operates fixed-route buses, but the routes are infrequent, and their schedules may not align with medical appointment times. Additionally, the availability of ADA-accessible vehicles is limited, potentially creating barriers for individuals with mobility issues often associated with Alzheimer's.

The CCATA's services, while present, are not designed to cater to the specific needs of individuals with dementia. The extended wait times, potential for crowded buses, and the need for multiple transfers can exacerbate anxiety and confusion. The lack of dedicated support personnel on public transit further compounds the challenge, making it difficult for individuals with Alzheimer's to navigate the system independently.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, while increasingly prevalent in urban areas, have a limited presence in rural Clearfield County. Availability is not guaranteed, and wait times can be lengthy, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant financial burden, especially when multiple appointments are required. The uncertainty surrounding ride availability and the potential for unfamiliar drivers can create additional stress for individuals with cognitive impairments.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are available in the area. Several companies, such as MedTrans and First Call Medical Transportation, offer door-to-door service, providing assistance with mobility and ensuring a safe and comfortable journey. However, these services often require advance booking and can be expensive, adding to the overall cost of healthcare. While these services provide a valuable resource, their availability and cost must be carefully considered.

The lack of readily available transportation options necessitates careful planning and reliance on family members or caregivers. This can place a significant burden on loved ones, especially if they have other commitments. The need for constant support can lead to caregiver burnout, a common challenge in Alzheimer's care. The absence of convenient transportation also limits the individual's access to social activities and community engagement, further contributing to isolation.

The location of specialized memory care facilities is another critical factor. While Penn Highlands DuBois offers some memory care services, the availability of specialized facilities dedicated to Alzheimer's care within a reasonable distance of Stump Creek is limited. This can necessitate long-distance travel for specialized care, adding to the transportation burden and potentially disrupting the individual's routine.

The availability of home healthcare services is crucial for individuals who wish to remain in their homes. Agencies such as Interim HealthCare and BAYADA Home Health Care provide in-home care, offering assistance with daily living activities, medication management, and skilled nursing care. The availability and cost of these services, however, must be factored into the overall assessment of healthcare access.

The "Alzheimer's Score" for Stump Creek, therefore, highlights several key considerations. While the area offers a peaceful environment, the limited transportation options and the distance to specialized healthcare facilities present significant challenges. The reliance on personal vehicles, the scarcity of public transit, and the limited availability of ride-sharing services require careful planning and support from family members or caregivers.

The availability of medical transportation services provides a valuable resource, but the cost and the need for advance booking must be considered. The limited availability of specialized memory care facilities within a reasonable distance adds another layer of complexity. The success of managing Alzheimer's in Stump Creek hinges on a comprehensive plan that addresses transportation, healthcare access, and the ongoing support needs of the individual and their caregivers.

Moving to Stump Creek requires a realistic assessment of the transportation challenges. The serenity of rural living must be balanced against the practicalities of healthcare access. Careful consideration of these factors is essential to ensure the well-being and quality of life for individuals living with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias. The "Alzheimer's Score" serves as a reminder that thoughtful planning and proactive measures are crucial for navigating the healthcare landscape in this beautiful, but geographically isolated, community.

Reviews

Recent Reviews

No reviews yet.

Leave a review
Health Scores Near 15863, Stump Creek, Pennsylvania

You may also like

15865, Sykesville, Pennsylvania
Alzheimers Score
Alzheimers Score

Distance from 15863: 2.75 Miles

Total Population: 1,066

15866, Troutville, Pennsylvania
Alzheimers Score
Alzheimers Score

Distance from 15863: 2.95 Miles

Total Population: 218

15848, Luthersburg, Pennsylvania
Alzheimers Score
Alzheimers Score

Distance from 15863: 4.07 Miles

Total Population: 835

15851, Reynoldsville, Pennsylvania
Alzheimers Score
Alzheimers Score

Distance from 15863: 6.62 Miles

Total Population: 7,074

15840, Falls Creek, Pennsylvania
Alzheimers Score
Alzheimers Score

Distance from 15863: 9.32 Miles

Total Population: 1,753

15856, Rockton, Pennsylvania
Alzheimers Score
Alzheimers Score

Distance from 15863: 10.38 Miles

Total Population: 842

15847, Knox Dale, Pennsylvania
Alzheimers Score
Alzheimers Score

Distance from 15863: 11.23 Miles

Total Population: 45

15823, Brockport, Pennsylvania
Alzheimers Score
Alzheimers Score

Distance from 15863: 16.24 Miles

Total Population: 1,246

15824, Brockway, Pennsylvania
Alzheimers Score
Alzheimers Score

Distance from 15863: 16.51 Miles

Total Population: 5,132

Health Scores in 15863, Stump Creek, Pennsylvania