Heart of the Home Series

Rachel Austin became a caregiver at 16 when her mom was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Over 18 years, she discovered that laughter wasn't a distraction from serious illness — it was one of the most powerful tools a caregiving home has. Actor, writer, and founder of the Love Labor Project, Rachel shares how comedy carried her and her mom through, and what she learned about love, loss, and showing up.

Marisa Nevels-Johnson is a mom of six — including newborn twins — and the full-time family caregiver for her elderly grandfather. In this Heart of the Home feature, she shares what it really looks like to hold everything together, and why accepting help isn't weakness.

Dr. Karolynn Echols is an Associate Professor and Section Chief of Urogynecology at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital — and her mother's caregiver. As a "double-duty caregiver," she navigates the emotional and clinical realities of vascular dementia while holding down one of medicine's most demanding careers. This is her story.

Kait and Tamrin Giordano are raising a toddler while caring for both of Kait's parents, who are living with dementia — all under one roof in Georgia. In this Heart of the Home Series interview, they share how they chose to build the family they wanted, how radical acceptance keeps them present, and what they hope their son carries forward from a life where first words and forgotten words collide.

Kacie Gikonyo, RN — death doula, educator, and founder of Death Doula School — joins EnhDme's Heart of the Home Series to share how facing death honestly can help families live more fully, plan with intention, and find peace at the end of life.

Michael Conigliaro never planned to become a caregiver. Now he's caring for his 92-year-old mom — and sharing the raw, honest truth about what it really takes.

Caring for someone with Alzheimer's is equal parts heartbreak and joy. Kris shares what she's learned loving her grandmother Mary — and how laughter became their greatest tool.

At 74, Steve runs a weekly dementia club in Bolton, England — singing, fundraising, and creating a place where 120 people can belong. His daughter Kara tells his story.

A practical guide for sandwich generation caregivers — adults raising children while caring for aging parents. Covers statistics, emotional and financial impact, coping strategies, and home safety tools.