In our Heart of the Home series, we shine a light on the family caregivers who hold everything together — often quietly, often invisibly, and almost always while carrying more than anyone realizes. This month, we're honored to introduce a caregiver whose story left us in awe.

You've heard of the "sandwich generation" — family caregivers caring for a child and a senior at the same time. Well, Marisa is what we lovingly call a HERO sandwich caregiver. Imagine being a mom to six children, welcoming a brand-new set of twins, and serving as the full-time family caregiver for your elderly grandfather — all at once, with a husband who works away from home for extended stretches.

Marisa isn't alone in carrying a double load — though she carries more than most. According to the AARP and National Alliance for Caregiving's "Caregiving in the U.S. 2025" report, more than 63 million Americans — nearly 1 in 4 adults — now serve as family caregivers, an increase of 20 million in just the past decade. Nearly 1 in 3 of them are sandwich generation caregivers, raising children under 18 while simultaneously caring for an adult loved one. Among caregivers under 50, that number climbs to 47%.

The toll is real: nearly a quarter of family caregivers provide 40 or more hours of care per week — a full-time job on top of everything else — while 64% report high emotional stress and 45% report high physical strain. Researchers at the University of Michigan found that sandwich caregivers are twice as likely to report financial difficulty as caregivers looking after an older adult alone. That's exactly why support, community, and the right tools matter so much — and why we're grateful to caregivers like Marisa who are kind enough to share their caregiving journey with us.

When you're caring for your children and your grandfather at the same time, what does a "normal day" actually look like for you?

Honestly, I don't think I've had a "normal" day in years. Every morning starts with checking on Pop before I even think about myself. Then it's getting six kids fed, changed, entertained, or ready for whatever the day brings. In between that, I'm giving medications, changing bedding, helping Pop eat, turning him so he doesn't get pressure sores, talking with hospice, cleaning, cooking… and somewhere in there I try to remember to eat. Every day looks different because you never know what medical issue is going to come up.

How has being a twin mom shaped the way you organize your time?

Twins taught me that perfection isn't possible. Efficiency became everything. If I can do two things at once, I will. I've learned to accept that sometimes good enough really is good enough. You celebrate the little wins because that's what keeps you going.

When both your kids and your grandfather need you at the same time, how do you decide what comes first?

Safety always comes first. If someone has an immediate need, that's where I go first. The hardest part is feeling like someone is always waiting on you. I don't think caregivers ever feel like they're giving enough because there's always another person who needs something.

What's the hardest emotional part of being a sandwich caregiver?

Watching someone you love slowly lose pieces of themselves is heartbreaking. At the same time, I want my children to have a happy childhood. Sometimes I feel like I'm living in two completely different worlds—one full of little kids laughing and another preparing to say goodbye to someone who helped raise me.

What does self-care realistically look like for you?

It's definitely not spa days. Sometimes self-care is taking an uninterrupted shower, drinking my tea while it's still hot, or sitting outside for ten minutes after everyone goes to bed. I've also started creating content online, and surprisingly that's become an outlet. It reminds me I'm still me—not just someone's caregiver.

When you get free time, how do you spend it?

Honestly… I usually catch up on things I've been behind on. But when I can, I love spending time with my kids, decorating my house, going to thrift stores to find a bargain. But to be honest… it's never "free time." I have to have a sitter if I want to do anything without a child.

What routines help keep everything running?

Lists. Lots of lists. Meal planning helps, and having certain things happen at roughly the same time every day keeps everyone calmer. Hospice has also helped me learn better ways to organize Pop's care. Flexibility is just as important as routine because caregiving rarely goes according to plan.

Who has become essential in your support system?

Hospice has been incredible. My husband helps when he's home from work, and my best friend has become family. She shows up without being asked, plays with my kids, helps however she can, and sometimes just having another adult around makes a huge difference. I've also learned that accepting help isn't weakness—it allows me to keep caring for everyone else.

What would you tell another parent suddenly caring for both children and an aging loved one?

Give yourself grace. You're not going to do everything perfectly, and that's okay. Ask for help before you're completely burned out. And don't feel guilty for laughing, taking pictures, or making memories during hard seasons. Those moments matter just as much as the difficult ones.

Where do you find joy in the middle of everything?

My kids remind me every day that life keeps moving. They make me laugh even on the hardest days. I also find joy in taking care of Pop because I know I'm giving back to someone who spent years loving and caring for me. It's exhausting, but it's also one of the greatest honors of my life.

EnhDme carries supplies for family caregivers from infants to seniors. What items make life easier for a mom who is also a caregiver?

The biggest thing is equipment that saves your body because caregivers get injured too. A good hospital bed, an over-bed table, transfer aids, positioning pillows, pressure-relief cushions, bed organizers so remotes and glasses don't disappear, waterproof mattress protection, quality wipes and gloves, and bedside storage all make a huge difference. I also think companies should listen to caregivers because we're the ones using these products every single day. Sometimes it's the little things that save you five minutes or your back—and those little things add up.

EnhDme carries caregiving supplies for every stage of life — from infants to seniors — because we know the heart of the home cares for everyone under its roof.

M

Marisa Nevels-Johnson

Wife · Mom of Six · Full-Time Family Caregiver

Hi, I'm Marisa!

I'm a wife, a mom of six, and the full-time caregiver for my grandfather. Around here, life is rarely quiet, rarely perfect, and almost never goes according to plan—but I wouldn't trade it for anything.

My days are filled with everything from changing diapers and making breakfasts to managing medications, doctor appointments, keeping up with a busy household, and trying to make sure everyone I love feels seen, cared for, and safe. My husband works away from home for extended periods, so most of the day-to-day responsibilities fall on me. It isn't always easy, but it's a life built on love, resilience, and showing up even on the hardest days.

I started sharing my life on social media because I wanted people to see the real side of motherhood and caregiving—the beautiful moments, the exhausting moments, the funny moments, and everything in between. My content isn't about having the perfect home or the perfect routine. It's about finding joy in ordinary days, embracing the chaos, and reminding others that they aren't alone.

You'll often find me filming a "Get Ready With Me," cooking meals for my family, caring for my grandfather, cleaning my home, working in the yard, organizing our space, or simply sitting down to chat about life. I openly share my struggles with anxiety, the mental load of motherhood, and the realities of balancing six children while providing end-of-life care for someone who helped raise me.

My goal is simple: to build a community where people feel comfortable enough to laugh together, cry together, ask questions, and encourage one another. I believe authenticity creates connection, and I hope every video reminds someone that imperfect days can still be meaningful.

Thank you for following along and allowing me to share a small piece of our family's journey. Your support means more than you'll ever know.

Connect With Marisa

Instagram: @marisa_mom6_caregiver

TikTok: @marisanjohnson

Facebook: Follow Marisa on Facebook

Pinterest: pin.it/9TWG8PCGc

Linktree: linktr.ee/MarisaNJohnson

Amazon Wish List: Support Marisa's Family

Business Inquiries: MarisaJohnson.media@gmail.com