16263, Yatesboro, Pennsylvania Alzheimers Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 16263, Yatesboro, Pennsylvania is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

46.32 percent of residents in 16263 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.09 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Acmh Hospital with a distance of 12.02 miles from the area.

## Alzheimer's Score: Navigating Healthcare in Yatesboro (ZIP Code 16263)

The specter of Alzheimer's disease casts a long shadow, demanding meticulous planning for individuals and families. When considering a move, especially to a rural community like Yatesboro, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16263), assessing healthcare accessibility is paramount. This "Alzheimer's Score" delves into the transportation landscape, crucial for navigating the healthcare system and ensuring quality of life for those affected by cognitive decline. The goal is to provide a clear, actionable guide for families contemplating a move or seeking to understand the existing challenges.

Yatesboro, nestled in Armstrong County, offers a tranquil setting. However, its rural nature presents significant hurdles in terms of transportation to healthcare facilities. This assessment focuses on the practicalities of accessing medical care, considering the limitations imposed by Alzheimer's and related dementias. We'll examine drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation solutions.

The primary artery for travel in and out of Yatesboro is **Pennsylvania Route 28/66**, a major highway that connects the area to larger towns and cities. Driving to healthcare appointments will likely involve this route. For specialized care, the nearest major medical centers are in Kittanning, Indiana, and Pittsburgh.

Driving to Kittanning, roughly 10 miles away, via **PA-28/66 South** offers the most immediate healthcare access. The drive typically takes 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. Kittanning Hospital, part of the ACMH Hospital system, provides a range of services, including primary care, specialists, and emergency care. This proximity is a significant advantage for those with mobility issues or cognitive impairments, as shorter travel times translate to less stress and fatigue.

For more comprehensive care, Pittsburgh, approximately 60 miles away, becomes a necessary destination. The journey to Pittsburgh via **PA-28 South** is a longer commitment, taking approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific destination within the city. Accessing specialized neurological care, memory clinics, and research facilities in Pittsburgh may be essential for managing Alzheimer's.

The drive to Pittsburgh can be a significant challenge for individuals with Alzheimer's. The increased travel time, unfamiliar surroundings, and potential for traffic congestion can exacerbate symptoms and increase anxiety. Careful planning, including pre-arranged transportation, rest stops, and the presence of a caregiver, is crucial.

Public transportation options in Yatesboro are limited. The Armstrong County Transit Authority (ACTA) provides bus services, but routes and schedules are infrequent, especially on weekends and evenings. ACTA primarily serves the Kittanning area, with limited service to more distant locations.

Currently, there are no direct public transit routes from Yatesboro to Pittsburgh. Relying on public transit for healthcare appointments in Pittsburgh would require multiple transfers, significantly increasing travel time and complexity. This lack of robust public transportation poses a substantial barrier to healthcare access for individuals with Alzheimer's, who often require assistance and supervision.

The ACTA does provide ADA-accessible buses, equipped with wheelchair lifts and other features to accommodate individuals with disabilities. However, the limited service frequency and route coverage make it a less practical option for regular healthcare appointments, especially for those requiring specialized care in Pittsburgh.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, but their reliability and availability in Yatesboro and surrounding rural areas can be inconsistent. Surge pricing during peak hours or periods of high demand can also make these services expensive. The availability of drivers familiar with the needs of individuals with cognitive impairments is also a concern.

Medical transportation services offer a more specialized solution. These services, such as First Transit or Medical Transportation Management (MTM), provide non-emergency medical transportation, often with trained staff and vehicles equipped to accommodate individuals with mobility issues. However, the cost of these services can be substantial, and their availability may be limited.

When moving to Yatesboro, families must proactively address transportation challenges. This includes assessing the individual's ability to drive, exploring options for family members or caregivers to provide transportation, and researching the availability and cost of medical transportation services.

Families considering a move to Yatesboro should also investigate the availability of home healthcare services. These services can provide in-home assistance with personal care, medication management, and other support, reducing the need for frequent travel to healthcare facilities.

The "Alzheimer's Score" for Yatesboro highlights the critical importance of transportation in ensuring healthcare access. While the community offers a peaceful environment, the limitations of public transit and the potential for long drives to specialized care pose significant challenges for individuals with Alzheimer's.

Prioritizing transportation planning, exploring alternative options, and leveraging available resources are essential for successfully navigating the healthcare system and maintaining quality of life. The decision to move to Yatesboro requires careful consideration of these factors, ensuring that the individual with Alzheimer's can access the care they need and deserve.