Alzheimers Score

37305, Beersheba Springs, Tennessee Alzheimers Score Travel Score

Average Rating: 0.0 / 5 stars

0 Reviews

Health Scores

Travel Score in 37305, Beersheba Springs, Tennessee

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 37305, Beersheba Springs, Tennessee is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

55.58 percent of residents in 37305 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 22.90 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Unity Medical Center with a distance of 23.91 miles from the area.

Health Scores in 37305, Beersheba Springs, Tennessee

Alzheimers Score 18
People Score 30
Provider Score 17
Hospital Score 58
Travel Score 37

Closest Hospital - UNITY MEDICAL CENTER

Estimated Cars

Housholds with Cars (%) 37305 Beersheba Springs Tennessee
No Cars 2.08 2.08 1.84
1 Car 1.39 1.39 17.99
2 Cars 24.94 24.94 40.14
3 or More Cars 71.59 71.59 40.03

Vehicular Access in 37305, Beersheba Springs, Tennessee

Travel Score Review of 37305, Beersheba Springs, Tennessee

## Alzheimer's Score: Commute to Healthcare in 37305

The serene, rolling hills of Beersheba Springs, Tennessee, nestled within ZIP code 37305, offer a tranquil setting for those seeking respite. However, the bucolic charm presents a unique challenge when considering healthcare access, particularly for individuals navigating the complexities of Alzheimer's disease. This analysis provides an "Alzheimer's Score" assessment, focusing on transportation options and their suitability for residents, especially those contemplating a move to this area or already residing there. The score aims to illuminate the practical realities of accessing medical care, a critical factor in maintaining quality of life for individuals with cognitive impairments.

The cornerstone of this assessment is transportation. For individuals with Alzheimer's, reliable and accessible transportation is not merely a convenience; it is a necessity. The ability to attend medical appointments, therapy sessions, and other essential services directly impacts their well-being and the support they receive. This score considers the availability, accessibility, and practicality of various transportation modes within and around 37305.

**Driving Times and Road Conditions:**

The primary mode of transportation in Beersheba Springs is, undoubtedly, the personal vehicle. However, navigating the winding roads and rural landscape presents its own set of challenges. For those with Alzheimer's, the demands of driving can become overwhelming, making alternative transportation options crucial.

The nearest significant healthcare facilities are located in surrounding towns, necessitating travel on state highways and county roads. The drive to the closest hospital, Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital in South Pittsburg, typically involves traveling on **Highway 108** to **Highway 64**, then onto **Highway 72**. This route, approximately 30 miles, can take around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and road conditions. The roads are generally well-maintained, but sections of **Highway 108** are narrow and winding, potentially disorienting for individuals with cognitive decline.

Another option involves traveling to Winchester, Tennessee, a drive of approximately 25 miles. This route typically involves taking **Highway 108** to **Highway 64**, then onto **US-41**. The drive time is similar to the South Pittsburg route, but the roads are generally wider and less winding. However, the traffic on **US-41** can be heavier, especially during peak hours.

The drive to larger medical centers in Chattanooga, approximately 60 miles away, requires navigating **Highway 108** to **Highway 64**, then onto **Interstate 24**. This journey can take over an hour and a half, making it less practical for routine appointments. Furthermore, the interstate can be overwhelming due to heavy traffic and high speeds, making it a less desirable option for individuals with Alzheimer's.

**Public Transportation Options:**

Public transportation options in 37305 are extremely limited. The area is primarily rural, and dedicated public transit services are virtually nonexistent. This lack of public transportation significantly impacts healthcare access for individuals with Alzheimer's who are unable to drive.

There are no fixed-route bus services operating within Beersheba Springs or connecting it to nearby towns. Furthermore, there are no readily available paratransit services, such as those mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), that provide door-to-door transportation for individuals with disabilities. This absence of public transit severely restricts healthcare access for those who cannot drive or rely on others for transportation.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation Services:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability and availability can be inconsistent, particularly in rural areas like 37305. The wait times for a ride can be lengthy, and the availability of drivers may be limited, especially during off-peak hours or for appointments scheduled at unusual times. This unreliability makes ride-sharing a less-than-ideal solution for consistent healthcare transportation.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by private companies, are available but often come with significant costs. These services provide specialized transportation for medical appointments, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel to assist patients. However, the cost of these services can be prohibitive for many individuals, making them an inaccessible option.

**ADA Accessibility and Considerations:**

The absence of public transportation options that meet ADA requirements is a critical concern. Individuals with Alzheimer's often require assistance with mobility and may need accessible vehicles to accommodate wheelchairs or other assistive devices. The lack of these services creates a significant barrier to healthcare access.

Furthermore, the design of healthcare facilities themselves must be considered. Facilities should be easily navigable, with clear signage, ample seating, and staff trained to assist individuals with cognitive impairments. The availability of these supportive features is crucial for ensuring a positive and less stressful healthcare experience.

**Moving to Beersheba Springs and Healthcare Access:**

For individuals considering a move to Beersheba Springs, careful consideration must be given to the challenges of healthcare access. The lack of public transportation and the reliance on personal vehicles necessitate a comprehensive assessment of their ability to drive or access alternative transportation options.

Families and caregivers should research the availability of medical transportation services, the cost of these services, and the proximity of healthcare facilities. It is also important to assess the availability of support services, such as home healthcare, adult day care, and respite care, to ensure that the individual with Alzheimer's receives the necessary support and care.

**Alzheimer's Score Summary:**

Based on the factors discussed, the Alzheimer's Score for healthcare access in 37305 is **low**. The limited transportation options, the lack of public transit, and the reliance on personal vehicles or potentially expensive ride-sharing and medical transportation services create significant barriers to healthcare access for individuals with Alzheimer's. The rural nature of the area exacerbates these challenges, making it crucial for residents and prospective residents to carefully evaluate their transportation needs and plan accordingly.

The score reflects the challenges associated with accessing healthcare in this rural setting. While the beauty and tranquility of Beersheba Springs are undeniable, the practical realities of healthcare access must be carefully considered when making decisions about residency and care for individuals with Alzheimer's. Careful planning, utilizing available resources, and seeking support from local organizations are essential for ensuring that individuals with Alzheimer's can maintain their health and well-being while residing in this idyllic but challenging location.

Reviews

Recent Reviews

No reviews yet.

Leave a review
Health Scores Near 37305, Beersheba Springs, Tennessee

You may also like

37339, Gruetli Laager, Tennessee
Alzheimers Score
Alzheimers Score

Distance from 37305: 5.79 Miles

Total Population: 1,682

37313, Coalmont, Tennessee
Alzheimers Score
Alzheimers Score

Distance from 37305: 7.95 Miles

Total Population: 1,222

37301, Altamont, Tennessee
Alzheimers Score
Alzheimers Score

Distance from 37305: 13.08 Miles

Total Population: 976

37327, Dunlap, Tennessee
Alzheimers Score
Alzheimers Score

Distance from 37305: 16.43 Miles

Total Population: 11,834

37342, Hillsboro, Tennessee
Alzheimers Score
Alzheimers Score

Distance from 37305: 18.39 Miles

Total Population: 3,955

37355, Manchester, Tennessee
Alzheimers Score
Alzheimers Score

Distance from 37305: 24.68 Miles

Total Population: 28,492

37324, Decherd, Tennessee
Alzheimers Score
Alzheimers Score

Distance from 37305: 26.24 Miles

Total Population: 5,153

37318, Cowan, Tennessee
Alzheimers Score
Alzheimers Score

Distance from 37305: 27.97 Miles

Total Population: 1,836

37347, Jasper, Tennessee
Alzheimers Score
Alzheimers Score

Distance from 37305: 28.11 Miles

Total Population: 8,235

Health Scores in 37305, Beersheba Springs, Tennessee