Looking for female companion to accompany me while at Mayo, Rochester

Hi @summerof42, welcome. In addition to posting here, I have a few tips to a) help you find a support companion while at Mayo Clinic and b) how to prepare for your first visit.

To get a support companion:
1. Contact Concierge Services.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/minnesota/concierge-services
Phone: 507-538-8438
Email: concierge@mayo.edu

The Concierge Service is a free service to help you prepare for your visit and find your way around. They may have suggestions for caregiver or companion services.

2. Contact Volunteer Services
Mayo Clinic Volunteer Programs
Phone: 507-255-9912
Email: RSTVOLCOOR@mayo.edu

Volunteers are everywhere on campus. While their services may not extend to the level you wish or need, be aware that they are there to help when you are on campus.

You may also find some helpful hints in this related discussion:
- First visit to Mayo: Traveling alone https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/first-visit/

I also recommend downloading the patient portal. Read more here:
- Mayo Clinic Patient Portal: How do I find it? Do you use it? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-portal/

Hello Coleen,
Thanks for your input and support.

1. I did try calling concierge service, but they said they don't offer the service I'm looking for and couldn't recommend any companies around Rochester. I was hoping they were aware of some companies that are very reliable whether it be for senior services, etc. Just looking for someone kind and supportive who would like to maybe make some extra money, i.e., a retired female.

2. Volunteer service might not check all the boxes because not only would I like someone to join me getting on the right shuttle to my appointments, but maybe pick up food, go out to eat if I'm up to it, etc.

I downloaded the patient portal sometime back which is how I found the concierge service and this support group. I pray someone replies that is a perfect feet.

Will I receive an email informing me I received responses. I can't seem to find my post.

I pray I don't have to cancel my much-needed and long awaited for appt to come to Mayo, which could save my life.

@summerof42 this maybe a crazy idea, maybe try contacting a local church office and ask if they have parishioners who would be willing to help you. There are plenty of retired people in a church that love helping others in anyway they can. You may have to call a few offices, but they maybe able to help you.

I would love to help you out, but I don’t live in Rochester. Sending all the best that you can find someone to help you out.

Hi Nancy,
Since I don't live in Rochester, I wouldn't even know where to begin in what churches to call.

Do you live in MN, or near Rochester? I'm willing to pay for someone's hotel stay as well.

@summerof42 I do not live in or near Rochester MN. I actually live on the east side of Wisconsin. I just googled “churches in Rochester MN” and found this link.
https://www.churchfinder.com/churches/mn/rochester
This gave a list of the denominations. I then googled the specific church for their website. I just thought I would try one for guidance. I choose a Catholic Church as I am a Catholic.
https://holyspiritrochester.org/
In this example they have a listing for ministries. I found two possibilities. But once you decide from the list of churches, going to their website will give you a phone number to call or an individual to contact. You can call the office and explain your situation and what you are looking for. If they can’t help you I would ask if they know of any organization or service that could help.

If I was in your shoes, this is how I would start. Start by looking for the faith that you are. Or if you have no faith I see the also have non-demoninational..

If you are staying at a hotel in Rochester the front desk is very helpful with shuttles. Most hotels have a free shuttle. They have a regular scheduled times for pickup. So the front desk can help you determine which one you need to take to take you to the clinic.

I would check out the campus map at the following link to get the “lay of the land”.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/minnesota/campus-buildings-maps
It may look intimidating and overwhelming, but it’s not. Their signage is very clear. Also, you will see volunteers in blue vests and even Mayo employees within in the clinic do not be afraid to ask for help. I have even had a volunteer ask me if they could help me after I got off the elevator. Absolutely everyone is so helpful, compassionate and friendly. From the volunteers to all Mayo employees you are treated exactly like their statement states “the needs of the patient comes first”.

Here are two YouTube videos showing what you will see when you enter the clinic. These maybe helpful. It is always nice to “see” what you will encounter before getting there.

Hello Nancy,
You are such a dear and so incredibly helpful and I greatly appreciate it. Actually, I also live in Wisconsin! I'm on the far south side in Kenosha.

I'm arranging for transportation to pick me up (using our company service that I typically arrange for the VP's) fancy black SUV, and I say, we'll pick you up on our way to Mayo 🙂

Also, the Staybridge is always my choice. Monday-Wednesday they provide a light meal in the evenings, breakfast, and free laundry. If you like to use a hot tub, pool, or fitness they have that. Shuttle is excellent and depending on your ability, it’s a delightful walk to Mayo buildings.
There are great restaurants nearby, Canadian Honker is our favorite. For lunch, Mayo has a good food service.

@ljashton - Thank you for bringing me a sense of peace this morning. I pray she can provide the emotional support I need. I recently lost my sister which has been very difficult, and I know she would have been there for me and accompanying me to Mayo.

I just want to go back to feeling like my fabulous self again, enjoying life and being so grateful for all our many blessings. Thanks now to YOU and your friend I can get there 🙂

I hope I can connect with your friend today so we can chat an work out all the logistics.

Rose

Still praying and crossing fingers and toes someone steps in to assist with support.
If they wish, they could look at it like a week's vacation since I will pay for hotel stay at Staybridge Suites and all meals if they prefer not to go home every evening.

Since I'm coming alone, I'm very frightened and need the emotional support, etc accompanying me on the shuttle to the appointments, maybe joining me for dinner, etc.

Hello, Rosebud,

I can well understand the worry you may be experiencing as you anticipate your visit to Mayo. I know that having my spouse along for the trip was a huge support for me each time. I don't happen to see when you will be going there. I wonder whether there might be someone on this list who would be heading there for their own follow-up appointments anyway who could come a little earlier or stay a little longer to provide you with some or all of the support you anticipate that you will need.

I don't know if anyone on any of these lists has mentioned the term, "Minnesota Nice." We encountered so much of that while there that it quickly became much less intimidating (for us) to manage any anxiety around the scope of the place. I, personally, would feel safe traveling with another woman in such an environment and can well understand the challenges of facing that without such a companion.

I do hope you will find what you are seeking. I travel quite a distance for my care there and will not be returning before October if all goes well. Again, if your timeline is shared, I haven't seen it. You might receive more responses with that level of specificity in your request if you haven't done so already.

I send my best wishes for a safe, comfortable experience and my trust that you will receive excellent healthcare and kind treatment...

Gynosaur