Living at Home/Block Nurse Program 
Box 4314
Mankato, MN 56002-4314 

More Information:
http://www.mankatolivingathome.com 

Contact:
Cindy Chadwick 
Phone (507) 345-2985 
Fax (507) 387-7785
cindych@Mankato-clinic.com 

The Living at Home/Block Nurse Program is Actively Trying to Help Our Mankato Elders who live in the cities of Mankato and Skyline and are 65 and older to remain living independently in their own homes for as long as is safely possible. 

The largest growing population in our state is people 65 and older. Because children of elders tend not to live in the same town as parents or work full-time making it very difficult to assist their parents with their daily needs, our program is here to help. Adult children have the satisfaction of knowing someone is available to assist their parents and the elderly feel more independent and in control of their lives with a little help from their neighbors. The elders also feel less isolated from society when they are able to have a visitor or get to appointments on their own. Caregivers are able to take a break to refresh themselves before going back into the care giving mode. Everyone needs a helping hand at some time in their life. Since 1993, we have been assisting our elderly neighbors with local volunteers who meet such needs. Volunteers are not compensated in anyway for their assistance. 

Volunteer Opportunities:

Daytime in-town drivers needed to provide transportation to neighborhood seniors and companionship on social outings, errands, and doctor appointments. Time commitment is usually 1-3 hours a couple of times a month. Most transportation requests are for daytime, Monday through Friday. Must have a valid driver’s license and insurance on your vehicle.

Sit with an elder to give caregiver a break. The primary role is to provide social interaction between your self and an elderly neighbor, while providing time for the primary caregiver to attend to other responsibilities of their daily living. Time commitment is usually 1-3 hours a couple of times a month. 

Board members and committee members needed. Board members set policy of the program for the program supervisor and volunteer coordinator to follow, plan the direction the program takes and monitor and evaluate bottom-line results. Committee members carry out the fundraising, marketing and special events for the program. Time commitment varies according to event. Retired professionals are greatly encouraged to assist us with program needs.

Help beautify an elderly neighbor’s yard by keep your neighbors yard mowed, bushes trimmed and flowers planted to provide a pleasing outdoor environment for the elder and the neighborhood. Time commitment is usually 1 – 3 hours a couple of times per month from May to October. Winter months assist with snow removal as needed. Great volunteer opportunity for older teens or families.