26287, Parsons, West Virginia Alzheimers Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Alzheimers Score in 26287, Parsons, West Virginia is 27 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

57.40 percent of residents in 26287 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.75 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Davis Medical Center with a distance of 14.90 miles from the area.

## Alzheimer's Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 26287 (Parsons, West Virginia)

The specter of Alzheimer's casts a long shadow, demanding meticulous planning, especially when considering relocation. Assessing healthcare access, a critical component of this planning, necessitates a deep dive into transportation options. This analysis, an "Alzheimer's Score" for ZIP code 26287 (Parsons, West Virginia), evaluates the ease of reaching essential medical services, factoring in the limitations often faced by individuals with cognitive decline. It considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-share options, and medical transport services, painting a realistic picture of healthcare accessibility.

Parsons, nestled in the heart of Tucker County, West Virginia, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities regarding transportation. The town's mountainous terrain and rural character influence the availability and practicality of various travel modes. This assessment considers the implications for someone potentially moving to Parsons, grappling with the complexities of Alzheimer's. The goal is to provide a clear, actionable understanding of the transportation landscape, empowering informed decisions about healthcare access.

Driving, the most common mode of transportation, becomes a significant concern for individuals with Alzheimer's. The ability to safely operate a vehicle diminishes with cognitive decline. The primary routes to healthcare facilities from Parsons involve navigating winding mountain roads.

The most direct route to Davis Medical Center in Elkins (approximately 25 miles) utilizes **US Route 219** south. Expect a drive time of roughly 45 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. This route involves several curves and elevation changes, potentially challenging for those with visual or cognitive impairments.

Alternatively, accessing facilities in Morgantown, such as WVU Medicine, requires traveling on **US Route 219** south to **US Route 33** west. This journey, approximately 90 miles, could take upwards of two hours. This longer drive, with its inherent fatigue and potential for disorientation, poses a considerable hurdle.

The roads themselves, while generally well-maintained, can become treacherous during inclement weather. Snow and ice are common during winter months, significantly impacting drive times and safety. The reliance on personal vehicles highlights the importance of alternative transportation options.

Public transit in Parsons is limited. The Tucker County Senior Center offers some transportation services, primarily for seniors and individuals with disabilities. However, these services may have limited availability and may not extend to all healthcare providers. The specific routes and schedules would need to be confirmed with the Senior Center directly.

There is no established public bus system with fixed routes and schedules within Parsons or to neighboring towns. This lack of a robust public transit infrastructure significantly restricts healthcare access for those unable to drive. The absence of readily available public transportation is a major factor in the Alzheimer's Score.

Ride-share services, such as Uber and Lyft, are scarce in this rural area. Availability is highly unpredictable, and wait times can be lengthy. Relying on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments is not a viable option. The lack of reliable ride-sharing services further exacerbates the transportation challenges.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport individuals with medical needs, offer a more promising avenue. Several companies provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) in the region. These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring assistance during transport.

Companies like MedTrans and local ambulance services might offer NEMT to and from medical appointments. These services, however, require pre-booking and may have limited availability. The cost of these services can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent appointments.

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) guidelines are crucial when assessing public transit and medical transport options. ADA-compliant vehicles are essential for individuals with mobility impairments. Confirming the availability of ADA-compliant vehicles and services is a critical step in evaluating healthcare access.

Moving to Parsons with Alzheimer's necessitates careful consideration of the transportation landscape. The dependence on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the scarcity of ride-sharing services create significant challenges. The success of healthcare access hinges on the availability of medical transportation services and the support of family or caregivers.

The Alzheimer's Score for ZIP code 26287 reflects a moderate level of healthcare access. The reliance on driving, the limited public transit, and the scarcity of ride-sharing services are significant drawbacks. However, the potential availability of medical transport services offers a lifeline.

The overall score is impacted by the drive times to healthcare facilities. The longer distances and the challenging road conditions further compound the transportation challenges. The lack of readily available public transportation also negatively impacts the score.

The presence of medical transport services and the availability of assistance from the Tucker County Senior Center provide some positive aspects. However, these services may have limitations in terms of availability, cost, and coverage.

For individuals considering a move to Parsons with Alzheimer's, a comprehensive assessment of transportation needs is essential. This includes evaluating the ability to drive, exploring medical transport options, and establishing a support network to ensure access to healthcare.

The Alzheimer's Score serves as a starting point for informed decision-making. It highlights the transportation challenges and emphasizes the importance of proactive planning. The goal is to empower individuals and their families to make informed choices about healthcare access and quality of life.

The final score is a reflection of the realities of rural living and the specific challenges faced by individuals with Alzheimer's. It underscores the importance of careful planning, proactive communication, and a strong support system to navigate the complexities of healthcare access in Parsons, West Virginia. The journey to healthcare, like the journey with Alzheimer's, requires careful navigation and a strong commitment to well-being.