25545, Ona, West Virginia Alzheimers Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 25545, Ona, West Virginia is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

81.13 percent of residents in 25545 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.11 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St Mary's Medical Center with a distance of 9.34 miles from the area.

## Alzheimer's Score: Commute to Healthcare in Ona, WV (ZIP Code 25545)

The picturesque community of Ona, West Virginia, nestled within the rolling hills of Cabell County, presents a unique landscape for assessing healthcare access, particularly for individuals navigating the complexities of Alzheimer's disease. This Alzheimer's Score analysis focuses on the critical element of transportation, evaluating the ease and efficiency with which residents of ZIP Code 25545 can reach essential medical services. The ability to access timely and appropriate healthcare is paramount, and transportation plays a pivotal role in determining the quality of life for those living with Alzheimer's and their caregivers.

The primary challenge in Ona, as with many rural areas, is the limited availability of diverse transportation options. Personal vehicles remain the dominant mode of travel, necessitating an examination of drive times to key healthcare facilities. The primary artery serving Ona is **Interstate 64 (I-64)**, providing relatively swift access to Huntington, the nearest city offering comprehensive medical services. However, the drive itself is not without its considerations.

From Ona, the journey to **Cabell Huntington Hospital**, a major regional medical center, typically involves a drive of approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. This route primarily utilizes I-64 West. The interstate is generally well-maintained, but potential delays can arise due to accidents, construction, or inclement weather, all of which can exacerbate the challenges faced by individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers.

Reaching **St. Mary's Medical Center**, another significant hospital in Huntington, requires a similar drive time, also largely relying on I-64 West. The specific route might involve exiting the interstate and navigating city streets, potentially adding to the complexity of the journey. The ability to navigate these routes safely and efficiently is crucial, and caregivers must be prepared for potential navigational challenges faced by their loved ones.

Smaller, specialized clinics and physician offices are also scattered throughout Huntington and the surrounding areas. Accessing these facilities often necessitates navigating a network of secondary roads, including **US Route 60 (Midland Trail)** and **West Virginia Route 10 (Coal River Road)**. These roads can be narrower, more winding, and potentially less well-maintained than the interstate, adding to the difficulty of travel.

Public transportation options in Ona and the surrounding areas are limited. The **Huntington Area Rapid Transit (HART)** system provides bus service within Huntington, but service to Ona is extremely limited, if available at all. The HART system does offer some routes that might serve the outskirts of Huntington, but the need for transfers and the potential for long wait times make this an impractical option for many individuals with Alzheimer's, particularly those who may experience confusion or disorientation.

The HART system does offer ADA-accessible buses, equipped with ramps and other features to accommodate individuals with disabilities. However, the limited route coverage and the challenges associated with navigating a public transit system, even with these accommodations, make it a less than ideal solution for many in Ona.

Ride-sharing services, such as **Uber** and **Lyft**, are available in the Huntington area, but their reliability and affordability in Ona can be variable. The availability of drivers, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather, is not guaranteed. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, particularly for individuals with limited incomes or those requiring frequent medical appointments.

Medical transportation services offer a specialized solution for individuals with mobility limitations or other medical needs. Several companies operate in the region, including **MedTrans Corporation** and **First Call Medical Transportation**. These services typically provide door-to-door transportation, often with trained personnel who can assist with mobility and medical needs. However, these services can be costly and may require advance booking, making them less readily available for urgent or unexpected medical needs.

The decision to move to Ona, or any community, requires careful consideration of healthcare access. For individuals with Alzheimer's, the availability and accessibility of healthcare services are paramount. The transportation infrastructure in Ona presents both opportunities and challenges. While the proximity to Huntington and the availability of interstate access offer relatively swift travel times to major medical centers, the limitations of public transportation, the potential unreliability of ride-sharing, and the cost of medical transportation services create significant hurdles.

Caregivers must carefully evaluate the transportation options available and develop contingency plans for navigating potential challenges. This might include establishing relationships with local transportation providers, identifying alternative routes in case of road closures or traffic delays, and ensuring that the individual with Alzheimer's is prepared for the journey, with appropriate identification, medications, and support.

The Alzheimer's Score for transportation in Ona, WV, is therefore moderate. While the presence of I-64 provides relatively easy access to major medical facilities, the limitations of public transit, the potential unreliability of ride-sharing, and the cost of medical transportation services necessitate careful planning and consideration for individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. The ability to navigate these transportation challenges will directly impact the quality of life and the ability to receive timely and appropriate healthcare.