17306, Bendersville, Pennsylvania Alzheimers Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 17306, Bendersville, Pennsylvania is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

58.39 percent of residents in 17306 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.57 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Gettysburg Hospital with a distance of 11.10 miles from the area.

## Alzheimer's Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 17306

The quaint, rural charm of Bendersville, Pennsylvania, nestled within ZIP Code 17306, offers a tranquil backdrop for life. However, for individuals facing the challenges of Alzheimer's disease, the idyllic setting can become complicated when considering healthcare access. This write-up provides an Alzheimer's Score assessment for transportation to medical facilities, crucial for residents and those contemplating moving to Bendersville. We'll delve into drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation solutions, painting a comprehensive picture of the healthcare commute landscape.

The core of this assessment revolves around the ability to consistently and safely access healthcare. Cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's significantly impacts a person's ability to navigate independently. Therefore, reliance on others for transportation is often necessary, making the availability and accessibility of transportation options a critical factor. This score aims to highlight potential barriers and opportunities within the transportation infrastructure of Bendersville and surrounding areas.

**Driving Distances and Roadways**

The primary healthcare hubs for Bendersville residents are located in Gettysburg, approximately 10 miles east, and Chambersburg, roughly 25 miles west. These distances, while seemingly manageable, can become significant when factoring in traffic, weather conditions, and the cognitive limitations of an individual with Alzheimer's. The primary roadways connecting Bendersville to these destinations are Pennsylvania Route 30 (Lincoln Highway) and Pennsylvania Route 94.

Traveling to Gettysburg via Route 30 typically takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. Route 30, a major east-west artery, can experience congestion, particularly during peak hours and tourist seasons. The road conditions are generally good, but navigating intersections and traffic lights can be challenging for individuals with cognitive impairments.

The journey to Chambersburg, primarily via Route 30 and then Interstate 81, is a longer commute, averaging 40-50 minutes. Interstate 81 offers a faster route, but its high speeds and complex interchanges can be disorienting. This longer travel time also increases the risk of fatigue and potential complications for someone with Alzheimer's.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in and around Bendersville are severely limited, posing a significant challenge for those who cannot drive. The Gettysburg Transit Authority (GTA) offers some bus routes within Gettysburg, but these do not directly serve Bendersville. The closest bus stops are located in Gettysburg, requiring a separate mode of transportation to reach them.

The availability of ADA-accessible features on public transit is vital. While the GTA strives to comply with ADA regulations, ensuring accessibility requires careful planning and confirmation. The limited frequency of bus routes and the need for transfers further complicate the use of public transit for healthcare appointments, particularly for individuals with Alzheimer's.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, offering a potential solution for transportation. However, the reliability and cost of these services can vary, especially in rural areas. Availability might be limited, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Furthermore, the ability of a ride-share driver to provide assistance to an individual with cognitive impairments cannot be guaranteed.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for individuals with healthcare needs, offer a more specialized approach. These services often provide trained drivers and offer assistance with mobility and medical equipment. Several companies operate in the region, including Medical Transportation Management (MTM) and local ambulance services that may offer non-emergency transport.

**Assessing the Alzheimer's Score**

The Alzheimer's Score for transportation in ZIP Code 17306 is influenced by several factors:

* **Distance to Healthcare:** The proximity of Gettysburg and Chambersburg is offset by the reliance on personal vehicles or potentially challenging public transit.
* **Road Conditions:** Route 30 and Interstate 81 pose potential navigation challenges.
* **Public Transit Availability:** Limited public transit significantly restricts healthcare access for non-drivers.
* **Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:** Availability and cost of ride-sharing and medical transport services impact accessibility.
* **ADA Accessibility:** The availability of ADA-compliant transportation is crucial for individuals with mobility limitations.

**Recommendations for Enhanced Healthcare Access**

Improving healthcare access for individuals with Alzheimer's in Bendersville requires a multi-faceted approach.

* **Explore partnerships:** Collaboration between local healthcare providers, transportation services, and community organizations can facilitate transportation solutions.
* **Promote awareness:** Educating residents about available transportation options, including ride-sharing and medical transport, is crucial.
* **Advocate for public transit:** Increased public transit routes and frequency, with direct service to Bendersville, would significantly improve healthcare access.
* **Invest in volunteer driver programs:** Establishing or supporting volunteer driver programs can provide a reliable and affordable transportation option.
* **Consider home healthcare:** Exploring home healthcare options can reduce the need for frequent travel to medical appointments.

**Conclusion**

The Alzheimer's Score for transportation in Bendersville, Pennsylvania, reflects the challenges of accessing healthcare in a rural environment. While the area offers a peaceful lifestyle, the limited transportation options present significant hurdles for individuals with Alzheimer's. Careful consideration of transportation needs is essential for anyone considering moving to Bendersville or for current residents navigating the complexities of healthcare access. By addressing these challenges through collaborative efforts and proactive solutions, the community can strive to ensure that all residents, including those with Alzheimer's, can receive the healthcare they deserve.