37616, Afton, Tennessee Alzheimers Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 37616, Afton, Tennessee is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

64.33 percent of residents in 37616 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.83 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Greeneville Community Hospital with a distance of 3.98 miles from the area.

## Alzheimer's Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 37616 (Afton, TN)

This analysis, the "Alzheimer's Score," evaluates the accessibility of healthcare facilities for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias residing in ZIP code 37616, encompassing the Afton, Tennessee area. The score considers transportation options, drive times, and the availability of services essential for managing the complexities of this condition. Healthcare access is paramount, and this report aims to provide a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities for those considering moving to Afton or currently residing there.

The foundation of a supportive environment for Alzheimer's patients lies in readily available medical care. The ability to attend appointments, access therapy, and receive emergency assistance is crucial. This assessment examines the practical realities of transportation in and around Afton, focusing on the specific needs of individuals facing cognitive decline. The goal is to illuminate the landscape of healthcare access, fostering informed decision-making and promoting a safe and supportive living environment.

**Driving the Narrative: Roadways and Drive Times**

Afton, nestled in Greene County, presents a rural setting where personal vehicles are often the primary mode of transportation. The reliance on driving introduces challenges for individuals with Alzheimer's, who may experience difficulties with navigation, judgment, and reaction time. The Alzheimer's Score considers the practicality of driving to various healthcare providers, factoring in potential hazards and the availability of alternative transportation.

The primary artery through Afton is US-11E, a major thoroughfare that connects to larger towns and cities. Drive times to healthcare facilities in Greeneville, the county seat, are a key consideration. Reaching Greeneville Community Hospital, for instance, typically involves a drive of approximately 15-20 minutes via US-11E. This route, while generally straightforward, can present challenges during peak traffic hours or inclement weather.

Further afield, access to specialized care may necessitate travel to Johnson City, approximately 30-45 minutes away via I-26. This interstate provides a faster route, but the increased speeds and complexity of merging and exiting can be overwhelming for individuals with cognitive impairments. The journey requires careful planning and consideration of the driver's capabilities.

Other key roads to consider include TN-34, which provides access to healthcare facilities in the area. The condition of these roads, the presence of traffic signals, and the availability of parking all contribute to the overall ease or difficulty of healthcare access. The Alzheimer's Score weighs these factors, recognizing that even seemingly short drives can become significant obstacles.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Greene County are limited. The Greene County Public Transit System (GC Transit) offers a demand-response service, meaning rides must be scheduled in advance. This system, while offering a lifeline for some, may not be ideal for individuals with Alzheimer's, who may require immediate or unscheduled transportation.

The GC Transit operates a fleet of vehicles, some of which are ADA-accessible, ensuring that individuals with mobility limitations can utilize the service. However, the limited service area and the need for pre-booking can pose challenges. The lack of fixed routes and frequent schedules can make it difficult to plan and execute medical appointments, especially for those who experience memory loss or disorientation.

The Alzheimer's Score acknowledges the importance of ADA accessibility but highlights the practical limitations of the existing public transit system. The availability of accessible transportation is a crucial factor in healthcare access, but its effectiveness is diminished when the service is infrequent and requires significant advance planning.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport: Navigating the Alternatives**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the region, offering a potential alternative to driving or relying on public transit. However, the availability of these services can be inconsistent, particularly in rural areas like Afton. The reliability of ride-sharing is a crucial factor, especially for individuals with Alzheimer's who need dependable transportation for medical appointments.

The Alzheimer's Score assesses the prevalence of ride-sharing services in the area, considering factors like wait times, driver availability, and the cost of transportation. The ability to secure a ride at short notice is essential for managing unexpected medical needs or emergencies. The score also considers the potential challenges of using ride-sharing services for individuals with cognitive impairments, such as the need to communicate clearly with drivers and the potential for disorientation.

Medical transport services, such as those offered by companies like American Medical Response (AMR), provide specialized transportation for individuals with medical needs. These services often include trained personnel and specialized vehicles equipped to handle medical emergencies. The availability of medical transport is a critical factor in ensuring timely access to healthcare, particularly for those who are unable to drive or utilize other forms of transportation.

The Alzheimer's Score evaluates the availability, cost, and reliability of medical transport services in the area. The ability to access these services is crucial for managing medical emergencies and ensuring that individuals with Alzheimer's receive the care they need.

**The Alzheimer's Score: A Holistic Perspective**

The Alzheimer's Score for ZIP code 37616 considers the interplay of all these factors. It weighs the ease of driving to healthcare facilities, the availability of public transit, the reliability of ride-sharing services, and the presence of medical transport options. The score also considers the availability of support services, such as home healthcare and adult day care, which can help individuals with Alzheimer's remain in their homes and communities.

The score is not a single number but a nuanced assessment that highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare access landscape. It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing individuals with Alzheimer's in Afton, empowering them and their caregivers to make informed decisions about their healthcare and living arrangements.

The analysis emphasizes the need for careful planning and proactive measures to ensure that individuals with Alzheimer's can access the healthcare they need. The score encourages the development of strategies to mitigate the transportation challenges and promote a supportive and accessible environment for those living with this condition. This includes advocating for expanded public transit options, promoting the availability of ride-sharing services, and ensuring the availability of medical transport services.

Ultimately, the Alzheimer's Score serves as a call to action, urging the community to prioritize the needs of individuals with Alzheimer's and to create a healthcare system that is truly accessible and supportive. The goal is to ensure that those living in Afton, Tennessee, have the opportunity to age with dignity and receive the care they deserve.