16836, Frenchville, Pennsylvania Alzheimers Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 16836, Frenchville, Pennsylvania is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

52.18 percent of residents in 16836 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 28.60 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Mount Nittany Medical Center with a distance of 27.76 miles from the area.

## Alzheimer's Score: Transportation and Healthcare Access in Frenchville, PA (ZIP Code 16836)

The decision to relocate, particularly for individuals facing the challenges of Alzheimer's disease, necessitates a meticulous assessment of available resources. This analysis focuses on the critical intersection of transportation and healthcare access within the rural confines of Frenchville, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16836), a community offering a tranquil setting but presenting unique hurdles to mobility and healthcare access. The following score evaluates the existing infrastructure, considering its suitability for individuals with cognitive impairments and their caregivers.

Frenchville, nestled within Clearfield County, is a predominantly rural area. The primary mode of transportation is the personal vehicle. This geographic reality significantly shapes the landscape of healthcare access, demanding careful consideration of drive times, road conditions, and alternative transportation options. The ability to navigate the area safely and efficiently is paramount for maintaining independence and ensuring timely access to medical care.

The backbone of transportation in this region is Interstate 80 (I-80), a major east-west thoroughfare. While I-80 offers a relatively direct route to larger medical centers, the distance and potential for traffic delays, especially during inclement weather, pose challenges. The primary access point for Frenchville residents would be Exit 123 (Clearfield). From there, travel along Pennsylvania Route 879 (PA-879) provides access to the town.

The drive from Frenchville to the closest major healthcare provider, Penn Highlands Clearfield Hospital, is approximately 15-20 minutes, covering roughly 10 miles. This drive, primarily on PA-879, is generally manageable, though it can be affected by seasonal weather conditions. The road is well-maintained, but the presence of curves and variable visibility, especially during dawn and dusk, requires careful driving.

Further afield, the drive to larger hospitals such as UPMC Altoona or Geisinger Medical Center in Danville extends the travel time significantly. UPMC Altoona, approximately 50 miles away, translates to a drive of about an hour and fifteen minutes, primarily via I-80 and US-220. Geisinger Medical Center, around 80 miles away, necessitates a drive of approximately an hour and forty-five minutes, predominantly utilizing I-80 and PA-147. These longer distances underscore the critical need for reliable transportation options.

Public transportation options within Frenchville and the surrounding area are limited. The Clearfield County Area Transportation Authority (CCATA) offers bus services, but the routes and schedules are infrequent, primarily serving the Clearfield area. The availability of ADA-accessible buses is a crucial factor, ensuring that individuals with mobility limitations can utilize the service. However, the limited route coverage and infrequent schedules present a significant barrier to healthcare access, particularly for those without access to a personal vehicle.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, may be available in the Clearfield area, but their presence in Frenchville itself is uncertain. Even if available, the reliability and cost of these services can be unpredictable, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The availability of these services should be confirmed prior to relocation, and their cost should be factored into the overall budget.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for individuals requiring assistance with medical appointments, offer a potentially viable solution. Several companies cater to this need, including local ambulance services and specialized medical transport providers. These services typically offer door-to-door transportation, including assistance with boarding and disembarking. However, the cost of these services can be substantial, and advance booking is often required.

The suitability of Frenchville for individuals with Alzheimer's disease hinges on several factors. The relative isolation and rural setting offer a sense of peace and tranquility, which can be beneficial. However, the limited transportation options and the distance to healthcare facilities present significant challenges. The availability of reliable transportation is paramount for maintaining healthcare access.

The caregiver's role is crucial in this scenario. They must be prepared to handle the transportation responsibilities, whether driving the individual to appointments or coordinating alternative transportation options. The caregiver's own health and well-being are also critical. The stress of providing care and managing transportation can be overwhelming, requiring support and respite care.

Before moving to Frenchville, individuals with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers should thoroughly investigate the availability and reliability of transportation options. This includes confirming the availability of ride-sharing services, researching medical transportation providers, and assessing the feasibility of utilizing public transportation.

The Alzheimer's Score for Frenchville, PA (16836) reflects the challenges of healthcare access in a rural environment. While the area offers a peaceful setting, the limited transportation options and the distances to healthcare facilities present significant obstacles. Careful planning, including securing reliable transportation and establishing a strong support network, is essential for ensuring the well-being and healthcare access of individuals with Alzheimer's disease. The evaluation should include a detailed assessment of the individual's cognitive and physical abilities, the availability of caregiver support, and the financial resources available to cover transportation costs.

The decision to relocate to Frenchville should be made with a clear understanding of the transportation challenges and a proactive plan to address them. This involves exploring all available options, from personal vehicles to medical transport services, and ensuring that the individual with Alzheimer's disease has safe, reliable, and accessible transportation to all necessary medical appointments. The success of this relocation will depend on the ability to navigate these transportation hurdles and maintain access to quality healthcare.