17023, Elizabethville, Pennsylvania Alzheimers Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 17023, Elizabethville, Pennsylvania is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

61.12 percent of residents in 17023 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 21.27 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Penn State Health Hampden Medical Center with a distance of 21.46 miles from the area.

## Alzheimer's Score: Navigating Healthcare in Elizabethville, PA (ZIP Code 17023)

Considering a move to Elizabethville, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17023), and concerned about healthcare access, especially for someone with Alzheimer's? This "Alzheimer's Score" write-up delves into the realities of transportation and healthcare options, providing a detailed assessment to aid your decision. We'll examine the challenges and opportunities for accessing vital medical services, considering the specific needs of individuals with cognitive impairments.

Elizabethville, a charming borough nestled in Dauphin County, offers a slower pace of life. Yet, its rural setting presents unique transportation challenges. Healthcare access, therefore, becomes a critical factor, particularly for those requiring frequent medical appointments or specialized care. This analysis prioritizes practical information, offering a realistic picture of navigating the healthcare landscape.

**Driving the Distance: Highways and Byways**

The primary artery for travel in and out of Elizabethville is **Route 209**. This two-lane highway connects the borough to larger towns and cities, acting as the main conduit for accessing healthcare facilities. Driving times are heavily influenced by traffic, weather conditions, and the driver's familiarity with the route. For someone with Alzheimer's, the complexities of navigating even familiar roads can become overwhelming.

Heading south on Route 209 leads to **Millersburg**, approximately 10-15 minutes away. Millersburg hosts a small medical center, offering primary care and some specialist appointments. This proximity is a definite advantage. However, the availability of specialized geriatric care might be limited, necessitating further travel.

Traveling north on Route 209 takes you to **Tower City** (approximately 15-20 minutes) and eventually to **I-81**. This interstate highway provides access to larger healthcare hubs like **Harrisburg**, the state capital, about an hour's drive. Harrisburg boasts a wider array of hospitals, specialists, and Alzheimer's-specific care facilities. However, the longer drive adds complexity and potential stress, especially for individuals with cognitive impairments.

The journey to Harrisburg involves navigating **I-81**, a major interstate with heavy traffic, especially during peak hours. This can be daunting. The return trip, often undertaken when fatigued after a medical appointment, can be even more challenging. Consider the potential for getting lost or disoriented, a common concern for individuals with Alzheimer's.

Other roads, like **Route 147** and various local roads, offer alternative routes, but they are often winding and less direct. These may not be suitable for someone with Alzheimer's due to the increased potential for confusion and disorientation.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Elizabethville are extremely limited. Dauphin County does offer a public transit system, but its services are sparse in this rural area. The availability of routes and schedules is crucial.

The primary public transit provider is the **Dauphin County Transit (DCT)**. While DCT aims to provide transportation for all residents, including those with disabilities, its service area in Elizabethville is limited. Regular routes are infrequent, and the service may not be readily accessible for frequent medical appointments.

DCT does offer **ADA-compliant services**, which are essential for individuals with mobility issues or other disabilities. However, the availability of these services requires advance booking, often 24-48 hours in advance. This can pose challenges for urgent medical needs or unexpected appointments.

Furthermore, the wait times for public transit can be significant, adding to the overall time spent traveling and potentially increasing anxiety. Transfers between different routes can also be confusing and difficult to manage.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation: The Alternatives**

Ride-sharing services like **Uber** and **Lyft** are available in the Harrisburg area, but their presence in Elizabethville is less reliable. Availability can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Relying on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments is therefore risky.

Specialized medical transportation services offer a more tailored solution. Companies like **CareRide**, **AmbuBus**, and **First Transit** provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT). These services cater specifically to individuals with disabilities or those needing assistance with mobility.

These services typically offer door-to-door transportation, including assistance with getting in and out of vehicles. They often have trained drivers familiar with the needs of individuals with cognitive impairments. However, these services can be expensive, and availability may be limited, requiring advance booking.

**Healthcare Access: Navigating the System**

The availability of healthcare facilities in Elizabethville itself is limited. Primary care physicians are available, but specialized geriatric care, including Alzheimer's-specific services, is likely to require travel.

The nearest hospitals with comprehensive services are located in Harrisburg. These hospitals offer specialized memory care units, neurologists, and geriatric specialists. However, the travel time to Harrisburg must be factored into the equation.

Furthermore, the process of scheduling appointments, navigating insurance complexities, and coordinating transportation can be overwhelming. Having a dedicated caregiver or support system is crucial.

**The Alzheimer's Score: Considerations for Elizabethville**

The "Alzheimer's Score" for Elizabethville, considering transportation and healthcare access, is moderate. While the proximity to Millersburg offers some convenience, the reliance on driving and the limited public transit options present significant challenges.

* **Driving:** The need to rely on driving, even for short distances, can be problematic. The potential for disorientation and the stress of navigating traffic can be detrimental.
* **Public Transit:** Limited and unreliable, public transit is not a viable option for many.
* **Ride-Sharing:** Inconsistent availability.
* **Medical Transportation:** Offers a more reliable solution but comes with higher costs and booking requirements.
* **Healthcare Access:** Requires travel to Harrisburg for specialized care.

**Recommendations for Moving to Elizabethville**

If considering a move to Elizabethville for someone with Alzheimer's, careful planning is essential.

* **Assess Driving Ability:** Regularly assess the individual's driving ability and consider alternative transportation options.
* **Explore Medical Transportation:** Research and establish relationships with medical transportation providers.
* **Build a Support System:** Identify and establish a strong support network, including family, friends, and caregivers.
* **Plan for Long Drives:** Factor in travel time to Harrisburg and other healthcare facilities.
* **Consider Proximity to Healthcare:** Evaluate the proximity to primary care physicians and other essential services.

Moving to Elizabethville requires careful consideration of the transportation and healthcare landscape. While the borough offers a peaceful environment, accessing necessary medical services will require proactive planning and the utilization of available resources. By understanding the challenges and opportunities, you can make an informed decision and ensure the best possible quality of life for your loved one.