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.

Might be helpful to know what dates your appointments are and where you are staying.

Laurie

@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.

Hi Laurie,
That is an excellent point! I will be needing someone as of May 28th for about 5-7 days.

I will be staying at the new Staybridge Suites. Should the Indvidual decide to stay a night or two in a separate room, that's fine with me 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.

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.

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”.

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.

I hope I have been of some help to you. I wish you much success in finding answers to your needs.

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 🙂

Forgot to add that I am catholic as well.

I have a friend who has a good friend in Rochester who could help you or send you in the right direction. Would you like that contact? Kyle