15928, Davidsville, Pennsylvania Alzheimers Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 15928, Davidsville, Pennsylvania is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

75.92 percent of residents in 15928 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.10 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Chan Soon- Shiong Medical Center At Windber with a distance of 4.70 miles from the area.

## Alzheimer's Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 15928 (Davidsville, PA)

The decision to relocate, especially when navigating the complexities of Alzheimer's disease, requires meticulous planning. This analysis, the "Alzheimer's Score," provides a detailed assessment of transportation options and healthcare access within and surrounding ZIP code 15928 (Davidsville, PA), a region often considered for its rural charm. The goal is to illuminate the practical realities of accessing essential medical care, a critical factor in the well-being of individuals and their caregivers. This assessment considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transportation services, offering a comprehensive perspective for those considering moving to Davidsville.

The cornerstone of healthcare access in Davidsville is, undoubtedly, the automobile. The region's geography, characterized by rolling hills and dispersed communities, makes personal vehicle ownership almost a necessity. The primary arteries for reaching healthcare facilities are Pennsylvania Route 56 and U.S. Route 219. These highways, while offering relatively direct routes, can experience delays due to weather conditions, particularly during the winter months.

A typical drive to Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center in Johnstown, a major healthcare provider, clocks in at approximately 25-35 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific location within 15928. This drive primarily utilizes Route 56, a two-lane highway that can become congested during peak hours. Alternatively, utilizing Route 219 provides a slightly longer, yet often less congested, route. The distance to UPMC Altoona, another significant regional hospital, stretches to about an hour and fifteen minutes via Route 219 and then onto Interstate 99, a more modern and well-maintained thoroughfare.

Public transportation options in Davidsville are limited, impacting healthcare access for those unable to drive or who require assistance. The Cambria County Transit Authority (CCTA) provides some bus service, but routes are infrequent and primarily serve the Johnstown area. The CCTA Route 10, for example, offers limited service to areas near Davidsville, but the frequency of service and the potential for long wait times make it a less-than-ideal option for urgent medical appointments.

Furthermore, the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility of these buses is a crucial consideration. While the CCTA strives to meet ADA standards, ensuring the availability of accessible routes and features like wheelchair lifts, it's vital to verify the specific route's capabilities and schedule in advance. The reliance on public transit for healthcare appointments necessitates careful planning and a significant time commitment.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Johnstown area, offering a potential alternative to driving or public transit. However, the availability of these services in Davidsville itself can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, particularly for frequent medical appointments. The reliability of ride-sharing for timely healthcare access requires careful evaluation and consideration of potential delays.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport individuals with medical needs, provide a more specialized solution. Companies like MedTrans and others offer non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services, providing door-to-door assistance and wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services are particularly valuable for individuals with mobility limitations or those who require assistance from a trained professional. However, the cost of NEMT can be substantial, and advance booking is often required.

The Alzheimer's Score for 15928 is therefore multifaceted. The reliance on personal vehicles presents a challenge for individuals who can no longer drive or who require assistance. The limited public transit options, combined with the potential unreliability of ride-sharing, create significant hurdles to healthcare access. The availability of medical transportation services offers a viable, albeit costly, solution.

Moving to Davidsville, while potentially appealing for its tranquil environment, necessitates careful consideration of these transportation challenges. The caregiver's ability to drive and provide transportation is paramount. Proximity to healthcare facilities, even if requiring a drive, becomes a crucial factor. The availability and cost of medical transportation services must be thoroughly investigated.

The ease of access to healthcare is not merely about distance; it's about reliability, affordability, and the ability to maintain a consistent schedule. The "Alzheimer's Score" highlights the importance of proactive planning and the need to explore all available options. This includes assessing the availability of home healthcare services, which can reduce the frequency of travel to medical appointments.

The decision to move to Davidsville requires a comprehensive understanding of the transportation landscape. The potential for isolation, due to limited transportation options, must be weighed against the benefits of the environment. The caregiver's ability to manage transportation, or the financial resources to secure reliable medical transport, becomes a critical factor in ensuring the well-being of the individual with Alzheimer's.

This assessment underscores the importance of thorough research and careful consideration. The "Alzheimer's Score" provides a framework for evaluating the practical realities of healthcare access, empowering individuals and their families to make informed decisions about their future. The goal is to ensure that the choice to move to Davidsville, or any other location, is made with a clear understanding of the challenges and the available resources.