38117, Memphis, Tennessee Alzheimers Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 38117, Memphis, Tennessee is 78 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

85.53 percent of residents in 38117 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 2.84 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St Francis Hospital with a distance of 2.39 miles from the area.

## Alzheimer's Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 38117

Navigating the complexities of Alzheimer's disease demands a multi-faceted approach, and readily available healthcare access is paramount. This assessment, the "Alzheimer's Score," examines the transportation landscape in Memphis's 38117 ZIP code, offering insights into the ease with which residents can access essential medical services. This analysis considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transportation, providing a comprehensive view for individuals and families contemplating a move to Memphis or seeking to improve healthcare access.

The 38117 ZIP code, encompassing areas like East Memphis and parts of Midtown, presents a unique transportation profile. Its proximity to major thoroughfares offers a degree of convenience, yet reliance on personal vehicles is often high. The ease of access to healthcare facilities, therefore, fluctuates depending on the location within the ZIP code and the specific medical needs.

**Driving Times and Roadways:**

For those relying on personal vehicles, understanding drive times is crucial. From the heart of 38117, accessing major healthcare providers like Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis and Methodist University Hospital often involves navigating major roadways. Traveling to Baptist, located near the intersection of Poplar Avenue and I-240, usually involves a drive of 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. This journey primarily utilizes Poplar Avenue, a major east-west artery, or the I-240 loop, which can experience significant congestion during peak hours.

Methodist University Hospital, situated on Bellevue Boulevard, is accessible via several routes. A direct route might involve traveling south on Perkins Road, then east on Union Avenue. The drive time is approximately 10-15 minutes, but again, traffic on Union Avenue, especially during rush hour, can significantly extend the journey. Other routes might utilize Walnut Grove Road or Southern Avenue, providing alternative options but also potentially encountering traffic bottlenecks.

For specialized care, such as the Semmes Murphey Clinic for neurology or the West Clinic for oncology, locations vary. Drive times will depend on the specific clinic's location and the patient's starting point within 38117. The reliance on roadways such as Poplar Avenue, I-240, and major east-west and north-south arteries necessitates careful planning, especially for individuals with cognitive impairments who may find navigating complex traffic patterns challenging.

**Public Transit: A Mixed Bag:**

The Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) provides public transportation within the city, offering a potential alternative to driving. However, the public transit options in 38117 present limitations. Bus routes, while available, may not directly serve all healthcare facilities, and frequency can be an issue, particularly during evenings and weekends.

Several bus routes traverse portions of 38117, including routes along Poplar Avenue, Union Avenue, and Perkins Road. These routes offer connections to downtown Memphis, where additional transfer options exist. However, the journey times on public transit are often significantly longer than driving, potentially adding considerable stress for individuals with Alzheimer's.

ADA accessibility is a critical factor. MATA strives to provide accessible services, with buses equipped with ramps and other features to accommodate individuals with disabilities. Yet, the availability of accessible stops and the overall ease of navigating the system can vary. For those with mobility issues or cognitive challenges, the complexities of route planning, transfers, and waiting times can pose significant barriers to healthcare access.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a convenient alternative to driving or public transit. Their availability in Memphis is generally good, and they provide door-to-door transportation. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant factor, especially for frequent medical appointments. Furthermore, individuals with Alzheimer's may require assistance from the driver, which may not always be readily available.

Medical transportation services specialize in providing transportation for individuals with medical needs. These services often offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained staff to assist passengers. Several medical transport providers operate in Memphis, including MedTrans and CareRide. These services can be a valuable resource, but they often require advance booking and can be more expensive than ride-sharing.

**The Alzheimer's Score: Synthesis and Recommendations:**

The "Alzheimer's Score" for healthcare access in 38117 reflects a mixed picture. While driving offers the most direct route to healthcare facilities, traffic congestion and the potential for cognitive challenges present significant concerns. Public transit, while accessible, can be time-consuming and may not directly serve all locations. Ride-sharing provides a convenient option, but cost and the need for assistance are factors. Medical transportation services offer specialized support but come at a premium.

For individuals with Alzheimer's or their caregivers considering moving to Memphis, or for current residents seeking to improve healthcare access, several recommendations are crucial.

* **Proximity Matters:** When choosing a residence, prioritize locations within 38117 that offer easy access to major roadways and healthcare facilities.
* **Explore Ride-Sharing:** Investigate the cost and availability of ride-sharing services, and consider them for non-emergency appointments.
* **Medical Transportation Planning:** Research and pre-arrange medical transportation services for regular appointments, especially those requiring specialized care.
* **Caregiver Support:** If a caregiver is present, consider their mobility and ability to assist with transportation.
* **MATA Exploration:** Explore the MATA system, but acknowledge its limitations in terms of speed and direct access.
* **Traffic Awareness:** Be mindful of peak traffic hours and plan travel accordingly.
* **Healthcare Facility Proximity:** Prioritize healthcare providers closer to home to minimize travel time.

The Alzheimer's Score is a dynamic measure. It underscores the importance of careful planning and proactive measures to ensure that individuals with Alzheimer's in 38117 can access the healthcare they need with as much ease and dignity as possible. The decision of moving to Memphis and the choices of transportation and healthcare access will have a direct impact on the quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer's and their families.