38559, Doyle, Tennessee Alzheimers Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 38559, Doyle, Tennessee is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

47.90 percent of residents in 38559 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.45 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Saint Thomas Highlands Hospital with a distance of 7.30 miles from the area.

## Alzheimer's Score: Transportation and Healthcare Access in Doyle, TN (ZIP Code 38559)

The journey to healthcare, especially for individuals navigating the complexities of Alzheimer's disease, demands meticulous planning and consideration of accessibility. This "Alzheimer's Score" for Doyle, Tennessee (ZIP Code 38559), assesses the transportation landscape, revealing the challenges and opportunities for residents seeking medical care, particularly those considering a move to this rural community. We will delve into drive times, public transit options, ride-share availability, and medical transport services, painting a comprehensive picture of healthcare access.

Doyle, a small town nestled in the heart of Tennessee, presents a unique transportation environment. The primary mode of transportation is the personal vehicle, shaping the very fabric of daily life. Navigating the roads, however, becomes a crucial element in healthcare access. For individuals with Alzheimer's, the ability to reliably reach medical appointments is paramount, and the availability of diverse transportation options is essential.

**Drive Times and Roadways: The Arteries of Healthcare**

The most direct route to healthcare facilities from Doyle involves driving. The primary artery is **Highway 111**, a major north-south thoroughfare. This highway provides access to larger towns and cities where specialized medical services are concentrated. Drive times to key healthcare destinations vary significantly.

For example, the drive to Cookeville Regional Medical Center, a comprehensive hospital, typically takes around 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific location within Doyle. This journey usually involves traveling north on Highway 111. The road quality is generally good, but sections can experience congestion during peak hours, potentially adding to the travel time and increasing stress for those with cognitive impairments.

Another important destination is the town of Sparta, which offers some medical clinics and services. The drive to Sparta, usually via **Highway 70**, is shorter, typically taking around 15-20 minutes. This route is generally less congested than the Highway 111 corridor, offering a potentially less stressful travel experience.

**Local Roads and Considerations**

Within Doyle itself, the network of local roads, including **Doyle Road** and **Old Doyle Road**, are crucial for accessing local pharmacies, doctor's offices, and other essential services. These roads are generally well-maintained, but can be narrow and winding in some areas, requiring careful driving.

For individuals with Alzheimer's, the ability to navigate these roads safely, or to have a reliable driver, is vital. The rural nature of Doyle means that public transportation options are limited, making reliance on personal vehicles or alternative transport services even more critical.

**Public Transit: A Scarce Resource**

Public transportation in Doyle is extremely limited. There is no established public bus system operating within the town or connecting it directly to neighboring cities. This lack of public transit poses a significant challenge for individuals who cannot drive or who are unable to arrange for private transportation.

The absence of public transit necessitates reliance on other options, such as family members, friends, or paid transportation services. This scarcity of public transit underscores the importance of exploring alternative transportation solutions for those with Alzheimer's disease.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, may have limited availability in Doyle. The presence of these services is dependent on the availability of drivers, which can fluctuate. Residents should not rely solely on ride-sharing, and should always pre-arrange rides.

Medical transport services, however, offer a more specialized solution. These services are designed to transport individuals to and from medical appointments, often with trained personnel and specialized vehicles. Several medical transport companies may serve the Doyle area, including those based in Cookeville and Sparta.

**Medical Transport Brands**

* **Ambulance Service:** If the patient requires assistance in and out of the vehicle, or is in a medical emergency, 911 is the best option.

* **Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT):** These services are designed to transport individuals to and from medical appointments, often with trained personnel and specialized vehicles.

**Healthcare Access: A Critical Consideration**

The availability of healthcare services in Doyle itself is limited. While the town may have a few local clinics or doctor's offices, residents often need to travel to larger towns and cities, such as Cookeville or Sparta, for specialized care, including neurology, cardiology, and other essential medical services.

The drive times to these healthcare destinations, coupled with the limited public transportation options, highlight the challenges faced by individuals with Alzheimer's in accessing healthcare. This underscores the importance of careful planning, reliable transportation, and the availability of support services.

**Moving to Doyle: A Prudent Evaluation**

For individuals or families considering a move to Doyle, the transportation landscape must be a central factor in their decision-making process. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential need for travel to larger cities for specialized care all demand careful consideration.

Families should assess their ability to provide or arrange for reliable transportation, including the availability of a driver, the cost of transportation services, and the potential impact of travel times on the individual's well-being.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Transportation Terrain**

The "Alzheimer's Score" for Doyle, TN (ZIP Code 38559) reveals a transportation landscape that presents both challenges and opportunities. While the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options pose difficulties for individuals with Alzheimer's, the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services can provide crucial support.

For those considering a move to Doyle, a thorough evaluation of transportation needs and the availability of support services is essential. By carefully planning for healthcare access, individuals and families can navigate the transportation terrain and ensure that residents receive the care and support they need.