17944, Llewellyn, Pennsylvania Alzheimers Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 17944, Llewellyn, Pennsylvania is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

40.38 percent of residents in 17944 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.02 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Schuylkill Medical Center - South Jackson Street with a distance of 4.84 miles from the area.

## Alzheimer's Score: Navigating Healthcare in Llewellyn (ZIP Code 17944)

The tranquility of Llewellyn, Pennsylvania, nestled within ZIP code 17944, offers a certain charm. However, for individuals facing the challenges of Alzheimer's disease, the reality of accessing healthcare becomes a critical consideration. This write-up explores the complexities of transportation and healthcare access in this specific area, providing an "Alzheimer's Score" based on the available options. The goal is to offer insights for those considering a move to Llewellyn or for current residents seeking to understand their healthcare journey.

The score will reflect the accessibility of healthcare facilities, considering factors like drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation options. The challenges of Alzheimer's, including memory loss, disorientation, and physical limitations, demand a thorough understanding of the transportation landscape.

**The Alzheimer's Score will range from 1 to 5, with 1 representing the most challenging access and 5 representing the most accessible.**

**Drive Times and Roadways: The Backbone of Healthcare Access**

Llewellyn's location, while scenic, presents a transportation challenge. The primary thoroughfare is **Route 901**, which winds its way through the town and connects to larger roads. **Route 61**, a major artery, is the gateway to Pottsville, the county seat, and other healthcare hubs.

Driving is the most common mode of transportation. However, for individuals with Alzheimer's, driving is often no longer a safe option. The drive to the nearest major hospital, **Geisinger St. Luke's Hospital - Orwigsburg**, via **Route 901** and **Route 61**, is approximately a 20-25 minute drive, depending on traffic. This drive, though manageable, requires careful planning and consideration for potential delays.

**The Alzheimer's Score for Drive Times: 3**

The presence of a major hospital within a reasonable driving distance is a positive factor. However, the reliance on personal vehicles and the potential for driving limitations significantly impact the score.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Llewellyn are extremely limited. The **Schuylkill Transportation System (STS)**, the county's public transit provider, offers bus routes. However, these routes are infrequent and primarily serve the Pottsville area.

Specifically, there is no direct bus route that runs through Llewellyn. Residents would need to travel to a neighboring town, such as Pottsville, to access the bus system. This adds significant travel time and complexity, especially for individuals with cognitive impairments.

**The Alzheimer's Score for Public Transit: 1**

The lack of convenient public transit options significantly hinders healthcare access for those with Alzheimer's. The need for multiple transfers and long wait times poses substantial challenges.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services like **Uber** and **Lyft** are available in the Pottsville area, but their presence in Llewellyn itself is less reliable. Availability can vary depending on the time of day and demand. This uncertainty poses a significant challenge for scheduled medical appointments.

Medical transportation services offer a more specialized solution. Companies like **Care Ride** and **Medicaid Transportation** provide non-emergency medical transport, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services require advance booking and may have limitations based on insurance coverage.

**The Alzheimer's Score for Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation: 2**

While ride-sharing and medical transport offer potential solutions, their limitations – availability, cost, and insurance coverage – impact the score. The need for pre-planning and potential delays create additional stress.

**Healthcare Access: Beyond Transportation**

Beyond transportation, healthcare access involves the availability of specialized medical care. In the 17944 ZIP code, there are limited geriatric specialists and memory care facilities. This necessitates travel to Pottsville or other larger towns for specialized care, further complicating the transportation challenge.

**The Alzheimer's Score for Healthcare Availability: 2**

The limited availability of specialized care in the immediate area compounds the transportation difficulties. The need to travel for specialized services adds to the overall burden.

**Moving to Llewellyn: A Consideration for Alzheimer's Patients**

For individuals with Alzheimer's or their caregivers considering a move to Llewellyn, a thorough assessment of transportation and healthcare access is crucial. While the town offers a peaceful environment, the practical realities of accessing medical care must be carefully considered.

Caregivers should research the availability of medical transportation services, explore potential support networks, and factor in the time and effort required for medical appointments. Proximity to family, friends, or other support systems who can assist with transportation is essential.

**Overall Alzheimer's Score for Llewellyn (ZIP Code 17944): 2**

The overall score reflects the challenges of healthcare access in Llewellyn for individuals with Alzheimer's. While drive times to a hospital are manageable, the lack of public transit, the uncertainty of ride-sharing, and the limited availability of specialized care create significant obstacles. Careful planning, reliance on support systems, and proactive engagement with medical transportation services are essential for navigating the healthcare landscape. The decision to move to Llewellyn must be weighed carefully, considering the practical implications of accessing healthcare in this rural setting.