Alzheimers Score

18833, New Albany, Pennsylvania Alzheimers Score Travel Score

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Travel Score in 18833, New Albany, Pennsylvania

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 18833, New Albany, Pennsylvania is 21 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

56.89 percent of residents in 18833 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 27.19 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Troy Community Hospital with a distance of 23.31 miles from the area.

Health Scores in 18833, New Albany, Pennsylvania

Alzheimers Score 20
People Score 58
Provider Score 20
Hospital Score 47
Travel Score 21

Closest Hospital - TROY COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

Estimated Cars

Housholds with Cars (%) 18833 New Albany Pennsylvania
No Cars 0.88 0.88 5.04
1 Car 18.01 18.01 21.45
2 Cars 34.70 34.70 41.29
3 or More Cars 46.41 46.41 32.22

Vehicular Access in 18833, New Albany, Pennsylvania

Travel Score Review of 18833, New Albany, Pennsylvania

## Alzheimer's Score: Navigating Healthcare in New Albany, PA (ZIP Code 18833)

The journey to healthcare in New Albany, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18833), presents a unique set of challenges for individuals and families navigating the complexities of Alzheimer's disease. This analysis, focusing on transportation options and healthcare access, aims to provide a comprehensive "Alzheimer's Score" – a framework for understanding the ease and difficulty of accessing necessary medical care within this rural community. Considering the specific needs of those with cognitive impairments, this assessment prioritizes safety, reliability, and accessibility.

The Alzheimer's Score considers various aspects of transportation, directly impacting healthcare access. These include the availability of different modes of transport, the distance to medical facilities, and the ease of navigating these options, particularly for individuals with cognitive limitations. We delve into the practical realities of getting to appointments, including drive times, public transit, ride-sharing possibilities, and medical transport services.

**Driving Times and Roadways:**

The primary mode of transportation in New Albany is, unsurprisingly, personal vehicles. The geography of the area, characterized by rolling hills and sparsely populated regions, necessitates driving for most errands, including healthcare appointments. The main artery serving the area is **Pennsylvania Route 220**, which connects New Albany to larger towns like Towanda and Dushore.

Driving to the nearest hospital, **Guthrie Towanda Hospital**, located approximately 20 miles away, typically takes around 30 to 40 minutes via PA-220. This drive, while manageable for many, can be challenging for individuals with Alzheimer's, especially if they are driving themselves. The potential for disorientation, memory lapses, and difficulty with navigation can create significant safety risks.

The route to Towanda requires careful navigation of several intersections and a degree of familiarity with the road. The drive can be further complicated by weather conditions, particularly during the winter months when snow and ice can make driving hazardous. The rural nature of the area also means that cell phone service can be unreliable in certain locations, making it difficult to call for help if needed.

For specialist appointments, the drive times increase significantly. **Geisinger Medical Center** in Danville, a regional healthcare hub, is approximately 80 miles away, demanding a drive of about 1 hour and 45 minutes via **Interstate 80 East** and **US-11 South**. This longer journey presents a greater challenge for individuals with Alzheimer's, requiring careful planning, breaks, and potentially the assistance of a caregiver.

Smaller medical facilities, such as primary care physician offices or specialist clinics in nearby towns like Dushore, may offer shorter drive times. However, the availability of specific specialists and the scope of services offered at these facilities may be limited. This necessitates a careful consideration of the trade-offs between convenience and access to comprehensive care.

**Public Transportation:**

Public transportation options in New Albany are extremely limited. The lack of a robust public transit system presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for individuals who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle. The absence of regular bus routes or other forms of public transportation necessitates reliance on alternative options.

The **Bradford County Transportation Authority (BCTA)** provides demand-response transportation services within Bradford County. This service operates on a reservation basis, requiring advance booking. While the BCTA offers door-to-door service, which is crucial for individuals with mobility issues, its availability is limited, and scheduling can be challenging, particularly for urgent medical appointments.

The BCTA vehicles are equipped with some ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including wheelchair lifts. However, the service's limited hours of operation and the need for advance booking can make it difficult to rely on for regular healthcare appointments. The remoteness of the area also impacts the frequency of service, meaning longer wait times.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are not readily available in New Albany. The lack of these services further compounds the transportation challenges for individuals with Alzheimer's. The absence of readily available ride-sharing options necessitates reliance on other alternatives.

Medical transport services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a valuable solution. Several companies provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) in the region. These services typically offer door-to-door transportation, including assistance with getting in and out of the vehicle.

**MedStar Ambulance** and **Caregivers of America** are some of the medical transport providers that serve the area. These services are typically booked in advance and can be costly, but they provide a reliable and safe option for individuals who require assistance with transportation. It is crucial to investigate the specific services offered by each provider, including the availability of trained staff familiar with the needs of individuals with cognitive impairments.

**Healthcare Access and Considerations for Alzheimer's Patients:**

Healthcare access in New Albany is directly impacted by the limitations in transportation. The distance to medical facilities, the lack of public transit, and the limited availability of ride-sharing services create significant challenges for individuals with Alzheimer's. The reliance on personal vehicles or medical transport services necessitates careful planning and coordination.

For individuals considering moving to New Albany, the availability of healthcare and the accessibility of transportation should be a primary consideration. The rural nature of the area, while offering a peaceful environment, presents practical challenges when it comes to accessing medical care.

The Alzheimer's Score for New Albany would be low, reflecting the difficulties in accessing healthcare. Families planning to relocate to this area should carefully evaluate the transportation options, the proximity to medical facilities, and the availability of support services. The need for a caregiver, the financial implications of medical transport, and the potential for isolation should be carefully considered.

Families should also explore the availability of home healthcare services, which can provide assistance with medication management, personal care, and transportation to appointments. Telemedicine options, while not a complete substitute for in-person care, can offer a valuable means of accessing medical consultations and monitoring.

The success of navigating healthcare in New Albany hinges on careful planning, proactive communication with healthcare providers, and a willingness to embrace alternative transportation solutions. Understanding the limitations and challenges is the first step toward ensuring that individuals with Alzheimer's receive the care they deserve.

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Health Scores Near 18833, New Albany, Pennsylvania

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Health Scores in 18833, New Albany, Pennsylvania