16235, Lucinda, Pennsylvania Alzheimers Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 16235, Lucinda, Pennsylvania is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

71.28 percent of residents in 16235 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.43 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Clarion Psychiatric Center with a distance of 9.18 miles from the area.

## Alzheimer's Score: Navigating Healthcare in Lucinda, PA (ZIP Code 16235)

The prospect of relocating, particularly for individuals facing the challenges of Alzheimer's disease, necessitates a thorough assessment of healthcare accessibility. This report, the "Alzheimer's Score," analyzes the transportation landscape within and around ZIP Code 16235 (Lucinda, PA), focusing on the critical element of healthcare access. It considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and specialized medical transport services, all crucial factors in ensuring timely and reliable medical care for those with cognitive impairments. The goal is to provide a clear picture of the transportation infrastructure that supports healthcare access, aiding in informed decisions about moving to Lucinda.

Lucinda, a small, rural community in Clarion County, presents a unique set of transportation challenges. Its limited public transit and reliance on personal vehicles or specialized services demand a careful evaluation of healthcare accessibility. The Alzheimer's Score seeks to quantify these challenges, offering insights into the realities of navigating healthcare in this specific geographic area.

**Drive Times and Road Networks:**

The primary arteries for healthcare access in Lucinda are Pennsylvania Route 66 (PA-66) and Pennsylvania Route 36 (PA-36). PA-66, running north-south, provides access to Clarion and its healthcare facilities. PA-36, traversing east-west, offers connections to Brookville and DuBois, each home to hospitals and medical specialists. The drive to Clarion Hospital, the closest full-service hospital, typically takes approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Traveling to Brookville Hospital, a slightly further option, requires a drive of around 30-40 minutes. DuBois Regional Medical Center, offering a wider range of specialized services, is roughly a 45-60 minute drive. These estimates assume average driving speeds and clear road conditions. The winding nature of the roads, particularly during winter months, can significantly impact travel times, posing a challenge for individuals with Alzheimer's, who may experience increased anxiety or disorientation during prolonged travel.

The local road network consists of secondary roads, such as Lucinda Road and Maple Drive, which provide access to residential areas and local businesses. These roads are generally well-maintained but can be subject to seasonal hazards, such as snow and ice, further complicating transportation. The Alzheimer's Score recognizes the importance of reliable road conditions and the potential impact of inclement weather on healthcare access.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transportation in Lucinda and the surrounding areas is limited. The Clarion County Transportation Authority (CCTA) provides demand-response service, meaning rides must be scheduled in advance. This service is available within Clarion County, but the availability and frequency of trips to healthcare facilities outside the county are limited. The CCTA offers ADA-accessible vehicles, ensuring that individuals with disabilities, including those with mobility challenges related to Alzheimer's, can utilize the service. However, the need for advance booking and the potential for longer travel times due to multiple stops can be a significant disadvantage for those requiring urgent or frequent medical appointments.

The CCTA's route network primarily serves the Clarion area, with limited service to neighboring towns. This necessitates careful planning and coordination for appointments outside of Clarion, potentially involving multiple transfers or extended travel times. The Alzheimer's Score considers the limitations of public transit as a significant factor in evaluating healthcare accessibility.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport Services:**

The availability of ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, in Lucinda is limited. The rural nature of the area and the relatively low population density make it less attractive for ride-sharing drivers. This means that relying on ride-sharing for healthcare appointments may not be a viable option.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for individuals with medical needs, offer a more reliable alternative. Several companies provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services in the region. These services typically offer door-to-door transportation, including assistance with getting in and out of vehicles. They are equipped to handle individuals with mobility issues and can accommodate medical equipment. However, the cost of NEMT services can be significant, and the availability of these services may vary depending on the individual's insurance coverage and the specific needs of the patient.

Medical transport brands operating in the area include, but are not limited to, local and regional providers. These providers often offer specialized services, such as wheelchair transportation and stretcher transportation, catering to a diverse range of medical needs. The Alzheimer's Score recognizes the importance of these services in ensuring healthcare access for individuals with Alzheimer's, but also acknowledges the potential financial burden and the need for careful planning.

**Healthcare Access and Considerations for Individuals with Alzheimer's:**

The Alzheimer's Score considers the specific needs of individuals with Alzheimer's disease when evaluating healthcare access. These needs include:

* **Proximity to Healthcare Facilities:** The distance to hospitals, specialists, and primary care physicians is a critical factor.
* **Transportation Reliability:** The availability and reliability of transportation options are essential for attending appointments and receiving timely medical care.
* **Cognitive Impairment:** The ability to navigate transportation systems and manage travel logistics can be challenging for individuals with Alzheimer's.
* **Caregiver Support:** The availability of caregiver support to assist with transportation and accompany individuals to appointments is crucial.

The Alzheimer's Score assesses these factors to provide a comprehensive evaluation of healthcare access in Lucinda. The findings will inform decisions about moving to Lucinda, considering the potential challenges and opportunities associated with healthcare access for individuals with Alzheimer's.

**Conclusion:**

The Alzheimer's Score for ZIP Code 16235 reveals a healthcare access landscape characterized by both strengths and limitations. While the drive times to healthcare facilities are manageable, the reliance on personal vehicles or specialized transportation services poses challenges. The limited public transit options and the scarcity of ride-sharing services necessitate careful planning and coordination. Medical transport services offer a viable alternative, but the cost and availability of these services must be considered.

For individuals with Alzheimer's considering a move to Lucinda, a thorough assessment of transportation needs and available resources is essential. The Alzheimer's Score provides a framework for this assessment, highlighting the importance of reliable transportation, caregiver support, and the need for proactive planning to ensure access to quality healthcare. The decision to move to Lucinda should be made with a clear understanding of the transportation challenges and the available solutions, ensuring that healthcare needs can be met effectively and compassionately.