Central Minnesota Elder Network

Mission Statement -

To educate and empower older adults in our communities to live well at home by utilizing trained volunteers and professional staff to support their emotional, social, mental health and respite care needs.

Central MN Elder Network provides companionship and respite care services to residents of the Douglas County area age fifty-five and older. For over twenty-six years, our non-profit, 501 (c)(3) charitable organization has been dedicated to helping older adults with the challenges associated with aging. These challenges can be physical changes, loss of loved ones, transition to a new home setting, learning new leisure time activities, making new friends or taking care of a loved one - we are here to help. 

Our services are provided by highly trained, compassionate volunteers and coordinated by a staff of professionals. All volunteers receive training in communication and active listening skills, normal aging, dementia, grief, depression, death and dying and more. All services are kept strictly confidential.

Visiting Program  Volunteers are trained and matched to a client in need of emotional support, caused by transitional life changes, loss, and loneliness associated with aging.  The volunteer visits for approximately one hour, once a week.  These visits take place wherever the client calls home.  The goal is to provide companionship, support and friendship through conversation, reminiscing and maybe even cards or a walk.

Respite Care/Caregiver Support   Volunteers are trained to provide 2 to 4 hours of respite, per week, to a primary caregiver.  This typically takes place in the client’s residence, thus providing a familiar, less stressful, and safe environment for the care recipient.  In addition, our Caregiver Coach is trained to support, encourage and empower caregivers and provide them with the knowledge and skills they need to enhance and maintain their role as a primary caregiver.

The Coffee Break  Join us as a volunteer at Coffee Break. Coffee Break is a respite program for care givers and care receivers. We meet the 2^nd and 4^th Tuesday of the month from 1-3 PM. This gives caregivers a much deserved break and care receivers a chance to socialize for a few hours. So if you enjoy crafts, games and of course coffee this is the volunteer opportunity for you! Volunteer as your schedule allows or on a regular basis. For more information contact Elder Network at 320-763-9084.