Elder Network

Providing resources to age well

Frequently Asked Questions

COVID-19 Information

Where can I sign up for the COVID-19 vaccination?

  • The state is providing a vaccine locator map to help people connect with clinics and hospitals — with the important caveat that all are giving vaccines by appointment only and not all locations may be giving appointments at any given time.
  • The state has rolled out a new online tool to help Minnesotans determine when and where to get vaccinated. The “vaccine connector” will alert Minnesotans when they become eligible, connect them to resources to schedule an appointment and provide information on nearby vaccination opportunities.
  • Minnesotans will still have to make their own appointment to get a shot through a vaccine provider. The enrollment form asks for personal data including age, occupation and pre-existing health conditions. It also asks for race and gender information, but doesn’t require enrollees to provide that data.

Can the COVID-19 vaccination make me sick?

  • No. None of the COVID-19 vaccines contain the live virus that causes COVID-19, so a COVID-19 vaccine cannot make you sick with COVID-19. 
  • Read Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines.

Will the COVID-19 vaccination prevent me from getting COVID-19?

  • All COVID-19 vaccines currently available in the United States have been shown to be highly effective at preventing COVID-19. 
  • Learn more about the different COVID-19 vaccines.
  • All COVID-19 vaccines that are in development are being carefully evaluated in clinical trials and will be authorized or approved only if they make it substantially less likely you’ll get COVID-19. 
  • Learn more about how federal partners are ensuring COVID-19 vaccines work.
  • Based on what we know about vaccines for other diseases and early data from clinical trials, experts believe that getting a COVID-19 vaccine may also help keep you from getting seriously ill even if you do get COVID-19.
  • Getting vaccinated yourself may also protect people around you, particularly people at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
  • Experts continue to conduct more studies about the effect of COVID-19 vaccination on severity of illness from COVID-19, as well as its ability to keep people from spreading the virus that causes COVID-19.
Internet Access – Commonly Asked Questions

How can I safely use the internet to access Elder Network’s website and other essential resources?

  • Watch this video that was made by IBM to learn more about some quick steps that you can take to use the internet safely.

How do I learn how to use the internet to video conference with family, access online medical portals and appointments, order groceries online, and other essential tasks of my day-to-day living?

Commonly Asked Questions About Elder Network

What does Elder Network do?

  • We have a mission of “Individuals impacted by the limiting effects of aging have an optimal quality of life.” We consider serving those who are directly impacted, as well as those that are surrounding that person, to be within our scope.
  • We consider individuals 55 or better to be our primary target; however, caregivers are often much younger, and we serve them as well.
  • We have a variety of programs, and the best option is to give us a call and describe your needs, so we can help fit a program to those needs.

How much does it cost clients to receive services?

  • We have a sliding fee scale based on income. Some services are at no cost, such as working with one of the Senior Advocates. Others such as the Companion program have fees attached, but remain very competitive so that everyone can access the services they need. The program coordinators can assist you with determining the costs for your needs.

What’s the difference between a volunteer and a companion?

  • There are four programs that use volunteers. Generally these are 1 – 2 hours per week commitments.
  • The Transportation program utilizes volunteer drivers to take clients to and from crucial medical appointments such as: doctor’s appointment, hearing, eye exams, mental wellness, physical therapy etc.
  • The Visitor program provides volunteers for socialization. Generally, these are home based activities such as conversation, cards, crafts, a walk, or other things that are generally weekly activities.
  • The Peer Support program uses trained volunteers to support an individual through a challenging time such as: dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, isolation, etc. by assisting with action planning and evaluation.
  • The Respite program utilizes trained volunteers to provide non-medical care for clients while the primary caregiver attends to their needs, socialization, or out-of-home tasks.
  • The Companion program provides a companion to assist with tasks such as shopping, making meals, changing sheets, organizing a cupboard, and other tasks where the client will benefit from some assistance to do for themselves. Generally, this is a regularly scheduled service more than once per week for 2 or more hours per visit.

What counties do you serve?

  • We serve the counties of Olmsted, Wabasha, and Winona with our direct service programs. We also have educational programs that are open to anyone that would like to come and learn about any of the topics we have. We have had individuals attend classes in Winona from Wisconsin and individuals from Dodge County attend classes in Rochester.

How do I get set up with transportation to my appointments?

  • Please call the transportation coordinator 507-285-5272. If you already are a client with Elder Network, we can generally accommodate transportation with a 5 business days’ notice. If you are not yet a client with Elder Network, we will need to complete an intake and assessment before we can provide any transportation services.

Where is Elder Network located?

  • The main office for Elder Network is in Rochester at 1130 ½ 7th St NW Suite #205. There is also an office in Winona at 51 W 4th St. Most of our work is done outside of the office environment, but there are regular office hours for the Rochester location.

Can you provide me some legal advice?

  • We cannot provide legal advice. Our senior Advocates can assist with completing forms for assistance and can connect you to other legal firms that can support you with other questions.

Can you help me move?

  • We are not a moving service. We can help with connecting you to resources for moving and help with completing paperwork for housing.

Is Elder Network hiring?

  • Please see our Employment Opportunities page for the most recent Job position openings.
  • Elder Networks always needs volunteers. Employment applicants are subject to background checks.

How can I volunteer at Elder Network?

  • Elder Network seeks a variety of volunteers. Please see our Volunteer Page for current needs, volunteer application and forms.

Do I pay the person who helps me directly?

  • No. You will receive an invoice if the service you are receiving is part of our fee for service programing. Otherwise, if you would like to make a donation to continue the programming that is not supported through fees, we are happy to take those at the Rochester office, 1130 ½ 7th St NW #205, Rochester, MN 55901

Additional Information

Those 55 and better and their caregivers have the opportunity to thrive and lead rewarding lives.

Contact Elder Network for services the following counties.

Olmsted County
1130 ½ 7th St NW Ste #205,
Rochester, MN 55901
Phone: 507-285-5272
Fax: 507-285-0884

Wabasha County
PO Box 52
Lake City, MN 55041
Phone: 651-565-3237

Winona County
902 E 2nd St,
Winona, MN 55987
Phone: 507-452-0580

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Elder Network is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.
Elder Network follows the principles of non-discrimination in employment complying with all Federal, State, and local laws concerning
Civil Rights, non-discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, and age.
Thank you for your support!