LYNNWOOD, Wash. — It's the doorbell ring Jeanne Harshfield is excited to hear every week -- a visit from her caregiver, Mary.
"She's always cheerful and happy and always asks me what's going on," says Harshfield.
The two stroll and chat through Jeanne's Lynnwood neighborhood thanks to a program run by Homage Senior Services. Homage pairs volunteers with seniors longing for companionship.
Harshfield had a fall and broke her hip and shoulder. She had to leave her home in Oregon, give up her car and condo and move in with her family.
Jeanne says the companion program changed her life.
"It's easier to get around because I'm walking more and I'm able to keep steady. It really has helped me," she says.
There is currently a shortage of volunteers for Homage's program. Jeanne had to wait a year to find her friend. There are 39 others on the waitlist, as well.
The U.S. Surgeon General says loneliness and social isolation can increase the risk of premature death as much as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Lack of social connection is associated with a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke.
Mary Ann Higgins runs the program for Homage.
She says volunteers do more than just help seniors pass the time.
"They sort of keep an eye on seniors and make sure they're doing okay. If something comes up with that client and they need to be connected to another program, meals on wheels or mental health, minor home repair, they can let me know," says Higgins. "It's a great way to extend our reach into the community."
Volunteer Mary Oyoo says she's actually getting as much as she gives.
"We are helping each other because through her I have strength and through me I also support her," Oyoo said.
Both Jeanne and Mary find comfort in knowing neither of them has to walk alone.
"She's my friend," says Jeanne. "She just helps me with a better attitude and being a little more cheerful."