17003, Annville, Pennsylvania Alzheimers Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 17003, Annville, Pennsylvania is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

68.81 percent of residents in 17003 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 6.89 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wellspan Good Samaritan Hospital with a distance of 5.22 miles from the area.

## Alzheimer's Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 17003 (Annville, PA)

Assessing the suitability of a location for individuals living with Alzheimer's disease requires a nuanced understanding of its healthcare accessibility. This "Alzheimer's Score" for Annville, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17003) focuses on transportation options, a critical factor influencing healthcare access and quality of life for those navigating the challenges of cognitive decline. The analysis considers drive times, public transit, ride-share availability, and medical transport services, painting a picture of the practicalities of getting to medical appointments.

Annville, a charming Lebanon County borough, presents a unique set of transportation considerations. While its small-town character fosters a sense of community, healthcare resources are not always immediately at hand. The ability to reach medical facilities quickly and reliably is paramount for individuals with Alzheimer's, and this score evaluates the ease with which they can access necessary care.

**Driving the Landscape:**

Driving remains a primary mode of transportation in Annville. The major thoroughfare, **Route 934 (Lingle Avenue)**, provides essential access to local businesses and connects to larger roadways. Reaching nearby healthcare facilities necessitates navigating these roads. A trip to the WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital in Lebanon, approximately 8 miles away, typically takes around 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. This drive involves using **Route 934** and then connecting to **Route 422** or **Route 72**, the latter of which provides a more direct route.

Driving to Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, a more specialized facility, presents a longer journey. Located roughly 25 miles away, the drive takes approximately 35-45 minutes, primarily utilizing **Route 934** to **Route 72**, then connecting to **Route 322** and finally **Route 422**. This longer drive requires careful planning and consideration of the individual's cognitive abilities. Weather conditions and traffic patterns can significantly impact these drive times, underscoring the need for reliable transportation.

**Public Transit Challenges:**

Public transportation options in Annville are limited, presenting a significant hurdle for individuals with Alzheimer's. The Lebanon Transit Authority (LTA) provides bus service within Lebanon County. However, routes are infrequent, and the service area is not extensive, making it challenging to reach many healthcare facilities directly from Annville.

The primary bus route serving Annville is likely Route 10, which travels along **Route 934**. However, even with this route, accessing major healthcare facilities requires transfers, increasing travel time and the potential for confusion. The LTA does offer ADA-accessible buses equipped with ramps and lifts, ensuring accessibility for individuals with mobility impairments. However, the infrequent service and the need for transfers pose a significant challenge for those with cognitive impairments.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Annville area. Their availability can be a boon for individuals unable to drive or lacking access to other transportation options. However, ride-share reliability can vary, particularly during peak hours or in inclement weather. Individuals with Alzheimer's may require assistance with the ride-sharing process, necessitating the involvement of caregivers or family members.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport individuals to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. Several companies operate in the area, including those providing non-emergency medical transportation. These services typically offer door-to-door assistance and can accommodate individuals with mobility limitations. However, these services often require pre-booking and can be more expensive than other transportation options.

**Healthcare Access Considerations:**

The availability of healthcare facilities within a reasonable distance is a critical factor. While Lebanon offers several primary care physicians and specialists, the availability of geriatric specialists and memory care clinics is crucial. The WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital in Lebanon provides a range of services, including neurology and cardiology, which are often relevant to individuals with Alzheimer's.

For more specialized care, the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center offers a comprehensive range of medical services, including a memory care clinic. However, the longer travel time to Hershey necessitates careful planning and consideration of the individual's cognitive and physical abilities.

**Moving to Annville and the Alzheimer's Score:**

For individuals considering moving to Annville with Alzheimer's, the transportation landscape presents both challenges and opportunities. While driving offers the most direct access to healthcare, the limitations of public transit and the reliance on ride-sharing services or medical transportation necessitate careful consideration.

The "Alzheimer's Score" for Annville, therefore, is moderate. While the proximity to Lebanon provides access to some healthcare services, the longer drive to Hershey and the limitations of public transportation pose challenges. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services offers alternative solutions, but they require careful planning and can be costly.

The overall score emphasizes the need for comprehensive care planning, including:
* Identifying reliable transportation options.
* Establishing a strong support network.
* Ensuring access to geriatric specialists and memory care services.

This analysis underscores that while Annville offers a desirable quality of life, individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers must proactively address the transportation challenges to ensure consistent and accessible healthcare access. This is crucial when considering moving to Annville.