02878, Tiverton, Rhode Island Alzheimers Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 02878, Tiverton, Rhode Island is 74 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

50.51 percent of residents in 02878 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 6.98 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Newport Hospital with a distance of 11.84 miles from the area.

## Alzheimer's Score: Navigating Healthcare in Tiverton, RI (ZIP Code 02878)

The decision to relocate, particularly for someone facing the challenges of Alzheimer's disease, necessitates a comprehensive evaluation of the new environment. This "Alzheimer's Score" for Tiverton, Rhode Island (ZIP code 02878), focuses on healthcare access, a critical component of quality of life. We'll delve into transportation options, dissecting the practicalities of getting to medical appointments, a crucial factor when **moving to Tiverton**. The goal is to provide a clear understanding of the accessibility landscape for individuals and caregivers.

Tiverton, a charming coastal town, offers a tranquil setting. However, its relative remoteness can present challenges concerning **healthcare access**. This assessment considers the availability and practicality of various **transportation** methods, focusing on the realities of navigating appointments, especially for those with cognitive impairments. We will examine drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options, ensuring a thorough understanding of the resources available.

**Drive Times and Road Networks:**

The primary artery connecting Tiverton to major healthcare facilities is Route 24. This highway provides relatively quick access to Fall River, Massachusetts, and, further north, to Providence, Rhode Island. However, traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can significantly impact travel times. The journey to Saint Anne's Hospital in Fall River, a common destination for medical care, typically takes around 15-20 minutes under normal traffic conditions.

However, the drive can easily extend to 30 minutes or more during rush hour. Navigating Route 24 demands attentiveness, and caregivers must account for potential delays. Local roads like Main Road and Stafford Road offer alternative routes, but they often involve slower speeds and more frequent stops, which can be challenging for individuals with Alzheimer's. The roads themselves are generally well-maintained, but weather conditions, particularly during winter, can affect travel safety.

For appointments in Providence, such as those at Rhode Island Hospital or The Miriam Hospital, the drive involves Route 24 to Route 195, a major interstate. This trip can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and a half, depending on traffic. This extended travel time necessitates careful planning, including considering the individual's tolerance for long car rides and potential needs for rest stops.

**Public Transit Considerations:**

Public transportation options in Tiverton are limited. The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) provides bus service, but routes within Tiverton are infrequent, and direct routes to major medical facilities are scarce. Route 60, which connects Tiverton to Fall River and Newport, might be a possibility, but the schedules are not always conducive to medical appointments.

The primary challenge with RIPTA for individuals with Alzheimer's is the complexity of navigating the system. Transfers, long wait times, and potential for getting lost can be overwhelming. While RIPTA buses are generally equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including wheelchair accessibility and audio-visual announcements, the overall accessibility of the system for individuals with cognitive impairments requires careful consideration. The need for caregivers to accompany the individual is often essential, adding to the logistical complexity.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Tiverton, offering a potentially convenient alternative to driving or relying on public transit. However, the availability of drivers can fluctuate, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a factor, especially for frequent medical appointments.

For individuals with Alzheimer's, ride-sharing presents both benefits and drawbacks. The convenience of door-to-door service is a plus, but the need to interact with unfamiliar drivers and the potential for changes in the driver's route can be disorienting. Caregivers should carefully assess the individual's ability to manage the ride-sharing experience.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by local ambulance companies or specialized medical transport providers, are designed to cater to the specific needs of individuals with medical conditions. These services typically provide door-to-door transportation, assistance with mobility, and trained personnel. However, these services can be more expensive than ride-sharing or public transit, and prior arrangements are usually required.

**Healthcare Access Assessment:**

The **healthcare access** landscape in Tiverton presents a mixed picture. While the town offers a peaceful environment, its relative distance from major medical centers necessitates careful planning for **transportation**. Drive times to nearby hospitals can be manageable, but traffic congestion can be a significant factor. Public transit is limited, and ride-sharing availability can be unpredictable.

Medical transport services offer a viable option, but at a higher cost. The overall "Alzheimer's Score" for **transportation** to healthcare appointments in Tiverton is moderate. Caregivers must be prepared to navigate a complex system, factoring in travel times, costs, and the individual's specific needs. Careful planning, including pre-booking appointments, considering traffic patterns, and exploring all available options, is crucial for ensuring safe and reliable access to medical care.

Before **moving to Tiverton**, prospective residents and their caregivers should thoroughly investigate the availability of medical specialists, pharmacies, and support services within the area. Establishing a strong network of healthcare providers and support systems is essential for maintaining a high quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer's. This comprehensive assessment aims to provide a realistic picture of the challenges and opportunities associated with **healthcare access** in Tiverton, empowering informed decision-making.