26170, Saint Marys, West Virginia Alzheimers Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 26170, Saint Marys, West Virginia is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

59.50 percent of residents in 26170 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.35 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Sistersville General Hospital with a distance of 15.31 miles from the area.

## Alzheimer's Score: Navigating Healthcare in Saint Marys, WV (ZIP Code 26170)

The decision to relocate, particularly when considering the complexities of Alzheimer's disease, demands meticulous planning. For those contemplating a move to Saint Marys, West Virginia (ZIP code 26170), a thorough understanding of local healthcare access and transportation options is paramount. This "Alzheimer's Score" aims to provide a comprehensive overview, evaluating the ease and practicality of accessing necessary medical services, factoring in the unique challenges faced by individuals with cognitive impairments.

Saint Marys, nestled in Pleasants County, presents a unique landscape. While offering a close-knit community feel, its rural setting dictates a reliance on personal vehicles and a limited public transportation infrastructure. This significantly impacts healthcare access for those with Alzheimer's, who may require assistance with driving or navigating unfamiliar routes. The score will consider factors like drive times to medical facilities, availability of public transit, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport options.

The primary healthcare provider in the immediate vicinity is the Pleasants County Medical Center, located within Saint Marys. This facility offers a range of services, including primary care, specialized clinics, and emergency care. The proximity of the medical center is a significant advantage, particularly in a medical emergency. However, access to specialized geriatric care, neurology, and memory clinics may necessitate travel to larger regional centers.

Driving remains the dominant mode of transportation in Saint Marys. Accessing the Pleasants County Medical Center from most residential areas within the 26170 ZIP code is typically a short drive, often less than 10 minutes. Residents living further out may need to use local roads like **State Route 2** and **State Route 16**. These roads are generally well-maintained, but weather conditions, particularly during winter months, can pose challenges for drivers, especially those with cognitive impairments.

For specialized care, residents may need to travel to facilities in Parkersburg, approximately 30 miles south. This journey involves navigating **US Route 50**, a major highway, and can take around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. Another option is to travel to Marietta, Ohio, which is about 30 miles north. This route involves crossing the Ohio River and using **State Route 7**. These longer drive times can exacerbate the challenges faced by individuals with Alzheimer's, potentially leading to increased anxiety and fatigue.

Public transportation options in Saint Marys are limited. The Mid-Ohio Valley Transit Authority (MOVTA) provides some services in the region, but its routes and frequency are significantly restricted in Pleasants County. There is no dedicated public transit within the city of Saint Marys. The MOVTA does provide limited service to the surrounding areas. This service is not designed to be a reliable mode of transportation for healthcare access.

The MOVTA buses are equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility features, including wheelchair lifts. However, the limited routes and schedules make it difficult for individuals with Alzheimer's to rely on public transit for medical appointments. The wait times and potential for confusion in navigating unfamiliar routes can be overwhelming.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Parkersburg area, but their presence in Saint Marys is less consistent. Availability may vary depending on the time of day and demand. This can make it challenging to secure a ride for scheduled appointments, particularly in the early morning or late evening. The lack of readily available ride-sharing services further complicates healthcare access for those without personal transportation or the ability to drive.

Medical transportation services, specializing in transporting patients to and from medical appointments, are another consideration. Several regional providers offer these services, including private ambulance services, and non-emergency medical transport companies. These services often require advance booking and may involve higher costs compared to ride-sharing or public transit. While these services can provide a crucial lifeline for individuals with Alzheimer's, the availability and cost must be carefully considered.

Moving to Saint Marys with Alzheimer's necessitates a careful assessment of healthcare access. While the Pleasants County Medical Center provides local care, specialized services may require travel to larger regional centers. The limited public transportation, inconsistent ride-sharing availability, and potential challenges with driving all present obstacles. Careful planning, including exploring medical transport options, establishing a support network, and potentially relocating closer to necessary medical services, is essential.

For individuals considering a move to Saint Marys, pre-planning is critical. Before relocating, it is important to research the availability of specialized geriatric care, neurology, and memory clinics in the area. Contacting the Pleasants County Medical Center and nearby hospitals to inquire about their services and appointment scheduling processes is highly recommended.

Consider the availability of caregivers and support networks. Having family members, friends, or professional caregivers who can provide transportation and assistance with medical appointments is crucial. Explore the availability of home healthcare services, which can provide in-home support and potentially reduce the need for frequent travel.

When assessing housing options, prioritize proximity to medical facilities and essential services. Consider the ease of access to local roads and highways. A location within walking distance of the Pleasants County Medical Center or other essential services can significantly improve healthcare access and reduce reliance on transportation.

Finally, explore the possibility of utilizing telehealth services. Many healthcare providers offer virtual consultations and remote monitoring options. These services can reduce the need for in-person appointments and provide convenient access to medical care.

The Alzheimer's Score for healthcare access in Saint Marys, WV (26170) is moderate, with significant caveats. While the local medical center offers convenient access to primary care, the limited public transit, inconsistent ride-sharing, and longer drive times to specialized services present significant challenges. A successful move requires careful planning, a robust support system, and proactive utilization of available resources to ensure ongoing healthcare needs are met. The decision to move to Saint Marys should be made with a clear understanding of these challenges and a commitment to proactively addressing them.