37348, Kelso, Tennessee Alzheimers Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 37348, Kelso, Tennessee is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

74.67 percent of residents in 37348 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.37 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Lincoln Medical Center with a distance of 6.80 miles from the area.

## Alzheimer's Score: Navigating Healthcare in Kelso, Tennessee (ZIP Code 37348)

The serene landscapes of Kelso, Tennessee, offer a tranquil setting, a potential haven for those seeking respite. However, for individuals and families navigating the complexities of Alzheimer's disease, the promise of peace hinges significantly on one crucial factor: reliable and accessible healthcare. This write-up provides an Alzheimer's Score assessment for ZIP code 37348, focusing on the critical element of transportation and its impact on healthcare access. We’ll delve into drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, offering a comprehensive understanding for those considering a move to Kelso. This analysis is paramount for families grappling with the challenges of Alzheimer's and the need for consistent medical care.

The Alzheimer's Score, in this context, is a measure of the ease and practicality of accessing necessary healthcare services from Kelso, considering the specific transportation landscape. A high score indicates readily available and user-friendly transportation options, while a lower score suggests potential difficulties.

**Drive Times and Road Networks:**

Kelso, nestled in Lincoln County, presents a rural environment where automobile transportation is the dominant mode. Accessing specialized healthcare often necessitates travel to larger towns and cities. The primary thoroughfare connecting Kelso to the outside world is **Highway 64**, which runs east-west. Traveling east on Highway 64 leads to Fayetteville, the Lincoln County seat, approximately a 15-20 minute drive. Fayetteville offers a range of primary care physicians, some specialists, and the Lincoln Medical Center.

For more specialized care, residents often need to journey further. **Highway 50** provides a north-south route, connecting Kelso to Winchester, the county seat of Franklin County. The drive is roughly 30-40 minutes. Winchester is home to Southern Tennessee Regional Health System, a larger facility with a broader range of specialists and services. This route, while longer, is crucial for advanced medical needs.

Venturing further afield, the cities of Huntsville, Alabama, and Murfreesboro, Tennessee, provide access to larger medical centers. Huntsville, approximately a 1-hour and 15-minute drive south via **Highway 64** and **Highway 231**, offers specialized care at facilities like Huntsville Hospital. Murfreesboro, about a 1-hour and 30-minute drive north via **Highway 50** and **I-24**, boasts the resources of Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital.

The Alzheimer's Score is negatively impacted by these drive times. Longer travel distances, especially for individuals with cognitive impairments, can be stressful, exhausting, and potentially dangerous. The reliance on personal vehicles also poses challenges for those unable to drive or who have limited mobility.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation in Kelso and the surrounding areas is extremely limited. There is no dedicated public bus system operating within Kelso itself. The availability of public transportation is a critical factor in the Alzheimer's Score, and its absence significantly lowers the score.

The absence of public transit significantly restricts healthcare access for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a vehicle. This lack of options presents a major obstacle for individuals with Alzheimer's, who may require frequent medical appointments, medication refills, and therapies. The absence of ADA-compliant features on nonexistent routes is a non-issue, but the lack of public transportation is a huge issue.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Kelso, but their reliability and availability are variable. Response times can be significantly longer in rural areas, and surge pricing during peak hours or inclement weather can be a financial burden. This uncertainty negatively affects the Alzheimer's Score.

Medical transport services offer a more specialized solution. Several companies operate in the region, providing non-emergency medical transportation. These services typically offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers. While these services can be invaluable for individuals with mobility issues, they often require advance booking and can be expensive, impacting the Alzheimer's Score.

The availability of specific medical transport brands in Kelso is subject to change. Families should research local providers, such as American Medical Response (AMR) or private companies, to assess their services, pricing, and availability. Thorough investigation is essential to ensure reliable transportation.

**Healthcare Access: The Key Consideration:**

The Alzheimer's Score for Kelso, Tennessee (37348) is negatively affected by the limited transportation options. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with long drive times to specialized medical facilities, presents challenges for individuals with Alzheimer's. The absence of robust public transportation and the variable availability of ride-sharing services further complicate healthcare access.

The availability of medical transport services offers a potential solution, but their cost and the need for advance booking can be barriers. Families considering a move to Kelso should carefully assess their transportation needs and explore all available options.

**Moving to Kelso: Considerations for Alzheimer's Care:**

For families considering moving to Kelso, Tennessee, and caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's, the transportation landscape is a critical factor. Before making the move, it is crucial to:

* **Assess healthcare needs:** Determine the frequency and type of medical appointments required.
* **Evaluate transportation options:** Research the availability and reliability of ride-sharing, medical transport, and family support.
* **Plan for emergencies:** Develop a contingency plan for transportation in case of inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
* **Consider proximity to healthcare facilities:** Weigh the benefits of a rural setting against the potential challenges of long travel times.

The Alzheimer's Score for Kelso is lower due to transportation challenges. However, with careful planning, proactive research, and a commitment to securing reliable transportation, families can navigate these challenges and provide quality care for their loved ones. The decision to move should be carefully considered, taking into account the specific needs of the individual with Alzheimer's and the available support systems.