18220, Delano, Pennsylvania Alzheimers Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 18220, Delano, Pennsylvania is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

62.02 percent of residents in 18220 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.05 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital with a distance of 8.25 miles from the area.

## Alzheimer's Score: Commute to Healthcare in Delano, PA (ZIP Code 18220)

Delano, Pennsylvania, nestled in the heart of Schuylkill County, offers a tranquil existence, yet the realities of aging, especially the specter of Alzheimer's disease, demand careful consideration of healthcare access. This "Alzheimer's Score" assesses the transportation landscape for residents of ZIP code 18220, focusing on the crucial ability to reach medical facilities, a paramount concern for individuals grappling with cognitive decline. The score considers driving times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, painting a comprehensive picture of healthcare accessibility.

The cornerstone of transportation in Delano is undoubtedly the automobile. For those capable of driving, the primary routes to healthcare facilities involve navigating the network of highways and local roads. The closest major hospital, Lehigh Valley Hospital – Schuylkill East Norwegian Street Campus in Pottsville, is approximately a 20- to 30-minute drive. This journey necessitates utilizing **Interstate 81** south, then exiting onto **Route 209** south, finally merging onto **Norwegian Street**.

Another option, the Geisinger St. Luke's Hospital – Orwigsburg Campus, is about a 25- to 35-minute drive. This route involves taking **Route 309** south to **Route 61** south, and then to the hospital. These drive times, while manageable for many, can pose significant challenges for individuals with Alzheimer's. The disease often impairs judgment, reaction time, and spatial awareness, making driving increasingly hazardous.

Public transportation in Delano presents a limited, yet potentially vital, alternative. The Schuylkill Transportation System (STS) provides bus service throughout the county, including routes that touch upon Delano. However, the frequency of these routes, especially on weekends and evenings, is often restricted. Accessing healthcare via STS necessitates careful planning and consideration of schedules.

The primary route to consider is the **STS Route 40**, which travels along **Route 924** and connects to Pottsville, where many medical facilities are located. This route offers connections to the **STS Route 41**, which then connects to the Lehigh Valley Hospital – Schuylkill East Norwegian Street Campus. The **STS Route 41** also connects to the Geisinger St. Luke's Hospital – Orwigsburg Campus.

The availability of buses with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is critical. STS operates buses equipped with ramps or lifts to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility devices. This is a crucial factor for individuals with Alzheimer's, as physical limitations may accompany the cognitive decline. However, the reliance on public transit introduces potential stressors. Waiting times, the need to navigate unfamiliar environments, and the potential for sensory overload can be overwhelming for those with cognitive impairments.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer another transportation option. However, their availability in Delano is variable. While these services may be present, they are not as consistently available as in larger metropolitan areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a factor, particularly for frequent medical appointments. For individuals with Alzheimer's, the reliance on ride-sharing introduces complexities. Coordinating pick-up and drop-off, ensuring the driver understands the destination, and managing the financial transactions can be challenging.

Medical transport services represent a specialized solution for individuals with significant mobility or cognitive impairments. These services provide door-to-door transportation, often with trained personnel who can assist with medical needs. Several medical transport companies operate in the Schuylkill County area. These include, but are not limited to, Schuylkill Transportation System (STS), and several private companies.

The choice of medical transport service depends on the individual's specific needs and insurance coverage. The cost of these services can vary considerably. For individuals with Alzheimer's, medical transport offers a safer and more supportive means of accessing healthcare. However, the availability of these services and the associated costs must be carefully considered.

The location of medical facilities also influences healthcare access. The Lehigh Valley Hospital – Schuylkill East Norwegian Street Campus and Geisinger St. Luke's Hospital – Orwigsburg Campus are both situated within a reasonable driving distance from Delano. However, the availability of specialized medical services may necessitate travel to larger hospitals in more distant locations, potentially increasing transportation challenges.

Moving to Delano, or any location, requires a thorough assessment of healthcare access. For individuals considering a move, especially those with a family history of Alzheimer's or other cognitive impairments, the transportation landscape must be carefully evaluated. The availability of reliable transportation options, the proximity of medical facilities, and the accessibility of support services are crucial factors.

The "Alzheimer's Score" for Delano, PA (ZIP code 18220) is a mixed bag. While the proximity of healthcare facilities is a positive factor, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the variable availability of ride-sharing services pose challenges. The availability of medical transport services provides a crucial safety net.

The score is ultimately influenced by the individual's specific needs and circumstances. For those capable of driving and with access to a reliable vehicle, healthcare access is relatively manageable. For those relying on public transit, the limited frequency and potential for delays require careful planning. For individuals with significant cognitive or mobility impairments, the availability of medical transport services is paramount.

The ideal scenario involves a multi-faceted approach. This includes a reliable personal vehicle, readily available medical transport services, and a supportive network of family and friends who can provide assistance with transportation and appointments. Careful consideration of these factors is essential for ensuring healthcare access and promoting the well-being of individuals living with Alzheimer's in Delano, Pennsylvania.