26215, Cleveland, West Virginia Alzheimers Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 26215, Cleveland, West Virginia is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

40.91 percent of residents in 26215 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.26 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Webster Memorial Hospital with a distance of 16.20 miles from the area.

## Alzheimer's Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 26215

Understanding healthcare accessibility is crucial for individuals and families navigating the complexities of Alzheimer's disease. This analysis provides an "Alzheimer's Score" for ZIP code 26215, focusing on transportation options to healthcare facilities, a critical factor in maintaining quality of life and ensuring timely medical attention. This score will help those considering moving to Cleveland or the surrounding areas understand the challenges and opportunities presented by this location.

ZIP code 26215, encompassing the town of Belington, West Virginia, presents a unique landscape for healthcare access. Nestled within the Appalachian Mountains, this rural community's transportation infrastructure significantly impacts the ability of residents, particularly those with cognitive impairments, to reach medical appointments. The Alzheimer's Score considers various factors, including drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options.

The primary mode of transportation for most residents is personal vehicles. Reaching healthcare facilities in the area necessitates navigating winding roads and traversing challenging terrain. Driving to the nearest hospital, Davis Medical Center in Elkins, involves a journey of approximately 20 miles. The route primarily utilizes US Route 250, a two-lane highway that can experience heavy traffic during peak hours. The drive, under ideal conditions, typically takes around 30 to 40 minutes.

However, this drive time can be significantly impacted by weather conditions, common in the mountainous region. Snow, ice, and fog can create hazardous driving conditions, potentially delaying or even preventing access to essential medical care. Furthermore, individuals with Alzheimer's may experience difficulties with driving, making alternative transportation options critical.

Another route, to Mon Health Medical Center in Morgantown, a larger facility with a wider range of specialists, involves a longer drive. This journey, approximately 80 miles, primarily utilizes US Route 33 East. This route, while a four-lane highway for much of the distance, still requires careful navigation and can take upwards of an hour and a half, depending on traffic and road conditions. This longer travel time can be particularly challenging for individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers.

Public transportation options in ZIP code 26215 are limited. The Barbour County Transit Authority offers a demand-response service, which requires advance booking. This service, while potentially providing a lifeline for some, may not always be readily available for urgent medical needs. Furthermore, the service's operating hours and geographical reach are limited, and accessibility features for individuals with disabilities, including those with mobility issues often associated with Alzheimer's, should be confirmed. Information regarding ADA-compliant features and route specifics should be obtained directly from the Barbour County Transit Authority.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are not consistently available in Belington. The sporadic presence of these services means they cannot be relied upon for scheduled appointments or emergencies. This lack of readily available ride-sharing significantly restricts healthcare access for those unable to drive or lacking alternative transportation.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport individuals with medical needs, are available in the area. These services, such as MedStar Ambulance and other local providers, offer non-emergency medical transport. However, these services often require pre-booking and may involve higher costs compared to other transportation methods. The availability of these services and their ability to accommodate the specific needs of individuals with Alzheimer's, including those requiring specialized equipment or assistance, should be carefully assessed.

The Alzheimer's Score for ZIP code 26215 reflects the challenges associated with healthcare access. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with limited public transit, ride-sharing, and the potential for weather-related disruptions, paints a complex picture. The longer drive times to larger medical facilities, such as those in Morgantown, further exacerbate these challenges.

For individuals considering moving to Cleveland or the surrounding areas, particularly those affected by or caring for someone with Alzheimer's, this analysis highlights the importance of carefully evaluating transportation options. While the area offers a sense of community and natural beauty, the limitations in healthcare access must be considered.

Families considering moving to the area should thoroughly investigate the availability and reliability of medical transport services. They should also explore the potential for support networks, such as caregiver support groups and home healthcare services, to mitigate the challenges associated with healthcare access.

The Alzheimer's Score for ZIP code 26215 is not a definitive judgment, but rather a framework for understanding the complexities of healthcare access. It emphasizes the importance of careful planning, proactive measures, and a strong support system for individuals and families navigating the challenges of Alzheimer's disease in this rural environment. The score underscores the need for comprehensive planning and the importance of understanding the interplay between transportation and healthcare access.