18457, Rowland, Pennsylvania Alzheimers Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 18457, Rowland, Pennsylvania is 14 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

75.00 percent of residents in 18457 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.03 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wayne Memorial Hospital with a distance of 13.10 miles from the area.

## Alzheimer's Score: Navigating Healthcare in Rowland, PA (ZIP Code 18457)

Rowland, Pennsylvania, nestled in the Pocono Mountains, offers a tranquil setting for those seeking respite. However, the serene beauty of this community must be weighed against its practicalities, particularly for individuals and families navigating the challenges of Alzheimer's disease. A crucial aspect of this consideration is healthcare access, a multifaceted issue heavily influenced by transportation options. This write-up provides an "Alzheimer's Score" assessment, focusing on the transportation landscape within and around ZIP Code 18457, aiming to illuminate the ease or difficulty of accessing essential healthcare services.

The core of this assessment revolves around the concept of "healthcare access." This encompasses not only the physical proximity of medical facilities but also the availability, reliability, and suitability of transportation methods. For individuals with Alzheimer's, these considerations become even more critical. Cognitive impairments, mobility limitations, and the need for caregiver support can significantly impact the ability to attend appointments, access therapies, and receive necessary care.

Driving is the primary mode of transportation in Rowland. The major arteries influencing healthcare access are Route 6 and Route 590. From Rowland, a drive to the closest hospital, Wayne Memorial Hospital in Honesdale, typically takes approximately 20-30 minutes, traversing Route 6 East. This route, while generally well-maintained, can be subject to traffic, especially during peak hours or inclement weather. The journey to Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton, approximately an hour's drive via I-84 East to I-380 South, presents a longer commute, demanding more planning and potentially increasing fatigue for both the patient and caregiver.

Smaller clinics and specialist offices are scattered throughout the region. Accessing these facilities often involves navigating local roads, such as Route 191 and various township roads. These routes may be less well-maintained than the major highways, potentially posing challenges for individuals with mobility issues or those unfamiliar with the area. The need for reliable navigation, whether provided by a caregiver or technological aids, becomes paramount.

Public transportation options in Rowland are limited. The lack of a comprehensive public transit system is a significant factor in the "Alzheimer's Score." While the Lackawanna County Transportation Authority (LCTA) provides some services in the broader region, its reach into Rowland is minimal. Bus routes are scarce, and their frequency is low. The absence of readily available public transportation presents a considerable barrier to healthcare access for those unable to drive or who lack access to a caregiver who can provide transportation.

The absence of robust public transportation highlights the importance of considering ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features in any available services. Even limited public transit options should be evaluated for accessibility, including wheelchair lifts, ramps, and audible announcements. The lack of these features can make it impossible for individuals with mobility impairments to utilize public transportation.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability and availability in Rowland are variable. The presence of these services offers a potential solution for those who cannot drive or who require transportation assistance. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant factor, particularly for frequent medical appointments. Furthermore, the availability of drivers, especially during off-peak hours or in less populated areas, can be unpredictable.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for individuals with medical needs, offer a more specialized solution. These services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) providers, are crucial for individuals who require assistance with mobility or who need medical supervision during transport. Investigating the availability and cost of these services is essential.

When considering moving to Rowland, or any location, for individuals with Alzheimer's disease, a thorough assessment of the healthcare access landscape is paramount. The "Alzheimer's Score" should reflect the availability of transportation options, the proximity of healthcare facilities, and the suitability of available services for individuals with cognitive and physical limitations.

For Rowland, the score would be impacted by the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transportation, and the variable availability of ride-sharing services. The score would need to be adjusted to reflect the potential challenges of navigating the area's roads, especially during inclement weather or for individuals with mobility issues.

The need for caregiver support is a central consideration. The ability of a caregiver to provide transportation, or the availability of family members or friends who can assist, is crucial. If caregiver support is limited, the reliance on ride-sharing or medical transport services increases, adding to the financial burden and potentially impacting the frequency of healthcare appointments.

The "Alzheimer's Score" for Rowland would also need to consider the availability of support services for individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. This includes memory care facilities, support groups, and respite care options. The proximity of these services and the ease of accessing them are critical factors in the overall quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer's.

In conclusion, while Rowland offers a peaceful environment, the "Alzheimer's Score" for healthcare access is negatively impacted by the limited transportation options. Careful planning, the reliance on personal vehicles or support from caregivers, and the potential need for ride-sharing or medical transport services are essential considerations for individuals and families contemplating a move to Rowland or already residing there. Thoroughly evaluating the accessibility of healthcare facilities, the reliability of transportation options, and the availability of support services is crucial to ensuring that individuals with Alzheimer's can receive the care they need and maintain their quality of life. The journey to healthcare in Rowland requires careful navigation, not just of the roads, but also of the available resources and support systems.