25140, Naoma, West Virginia Alzheimers Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 25140, Naoma, West Virginia is 20 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

8.73 percent of residents in 25140 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.88 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Raleigh General Hospital with a distance of 16.02 miles from the area.

## Alzheimer's Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 25140

Nestled in the heart of West Virginia, ZIP code 25140, encompassing the unincorporated community of Naoma, presents a unique landscape for those considering a move, particularly individuals and families navigating the complexities of Alzheimer's disease. This write-up provides an Alzheimer's Score assessment, focusing on the critical element of healthcare access, specifically detailing transportation options for residents of Naoma. The goal is to paint a vivid picture of the challenges and possibilities surrounding healthcare access, empowering informed decision-making for those seeking to live and thrive in this community.

The Alzheimer's Score, in this context, assesses the ease and feasibility of accessing crucial healthcare services, including primary care physicians, specialists, diagnostic facilities, and emergency care. This score considers factors such as drive times, availability of public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation options. The ultimate aim is to provide a realistic appraisal of the transportation landscape, recognizing that reliable and accessible transportation is paramount for maintaining quality of life and managing the progressive nature of Alzheimer's.

The primary artery for vehicular travel in and out of Naoma is West Virginia Route 16. This winding two-lane highway, while scenic, can present challenges for those with cognitive impairments or limited mobility. The drive to the nearest hospital, Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital (BARH), located in Beckley, is approximately 30 miles and can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and 15 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. The route predominantly involves navigating Route 16 South, then transitioning onto the I-64 East.

The journey to Charleston, the state's capital and a hub for specialized medical care, is considerably longer. The drive to Charleston General Hospital, for instance, is around 70 miles, taking roughly an hour and 45 minutes to two hours, primarily via Route 16 South and the I-79 North. This extended travel time necessitates careful planning, especially for individuals with Alzheimer's who may experience increased anxiety or disorientation during prolonged car rides.

Public transportation options in Naoma are severely limited. The West Virginia Department of Transportation's (WVDOT) Mountain LineMountain Line Transit Authority does not extend its services to this area. This lack of public transit creates a significant barrier to healthcare access for those unable to drive or who no longer possess the cognitive abilities to navigate the roads safely. This reliance on personal vehicles or alternative transportation underscores the importance of family support and external assistance.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Beckley and Charleston areas, but their presence in Naoma is sporadic. Securing a ride on demand is not guaranteed, and wait times can be unpredictable. Furthermore, the cost of ride-sharing can quickly accumulate, particularly for frequent medical appointments. This makes ride-sharing a less reliable and potentially expensive option for regular healthcare needs.

Medical transportation services offer a more specialized solution. Companies like MedStar and Liberty Ambulance provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) for individuals requiring assistance. These services often include door-to-door assistance, making them a valuable resource for those with mobility limitations or cognitive impairments. However, availability and cost vary, and advance booking is usually required.

Considering the transportation challenges, healthcare access in Naoma presents significant hurdles for individuals with Alzheimer's. The reliance on personal vehicles, the lack of public transit, and the variable availability of ride-sharing services necessitate proactive planning and reliance on support networks. The extended drive times to healthcare facilities in Beckley and Charleston further complicate matters.

For those considering moving to Naoma, a thorough assessment of transportation needs is crucial. This involves evaluating the individual's driving capabilities, the availability of family or caregiver support, and the feasibility of utilizing medical transportation services. The proximity of healthcare facilities, the availability of specialized care, and the ease of transportation must be carefully weighed against the desire to live in this rural community.

The Alzheimer's Score for Naoma, in terms of healthcare access, is moderate to low. While medical transportation services offer a viable solution, the limited public transit options and the reliance on personal vehicles present significant challenges. The availability of ride-sharing services is unpredictable, and the extended drive times to healthcare facilities require careful planning and consideration.

For individuals and families considering a move to Naoma, a comprehensive plan for transportation is essential. This plan should include a thorough assessment of driving abilities, the identification of potential caregivers, and the exploration of medical transportation options. The ability to secure reliable and affordable transportation is critical for maintaining quality of life and ensuring access to essential healthcare services.

The decision to move to Naoma, or any rural community, requires careful consideration of the transportation landscape. The challenges of healthcare access must be weighed against the benefits of community, affordability, and the desire for a peaceful setting. By understanding the transportation limitations and proactively planning for healthcare needs, individuals and families can make informed decisions and navigate the complexities of Alzheimer's with greater confidence.