Ann and Mary: Supporting Families in the ‘Sandwich Generation’
For the past 12 years, Ann has been caring for her mother, Mary, in her tri-level home. Now 91-years-old, Mary is living with multiple chronic conditions, including high blood pressure, heart disease, osteoporosis and diabetes. She’s on oxygen around the clock, takes a long list of medications and struggles with limited use of her hands and feet. Despite it all, Mary insists on putting up a brave front.
“She tries to act like nothing’s wrong when the nurse or physical therapist comes by,” Ann shared. “But as soon as they leave, she’s back to crawling up the stairs.”
It’s a reality many families know too well: the shifting roles between parent and child, and the constant balancing act of caregiving alongside work, children and daily life.
When Ann retired two years ago, she thought she would have more time to devote to caring for her mom. But like many in the “sandwich generation,” her responsibilities multiplied. While caring for her elderly mother, Ann also helps care for her young grandson when her son works overnight shifts.
“Sometimes I’d be gone all evening with my grandson, then come home and still have to worry about making sure Mom had something to eat,” Ann said. “She wanted to cook, but I worried she’d hurt herself—her hands go numb, and she can’t handle knives like she used to. I wanted to make sure she had real meals, not just fast food or something processed.”
The weight of responsibility was heavy, and Ann knew she needed help.
A friend told Ann about Project Angel Heart’s medically tailored meal program, and she decided to see if her mom might qualify.
“We talked to the staff, and I asked my mom if she’d like to try it,” Ann remembered. “She said yes. We’ve been with Project Angel Heart for about seven months now.”
The impact was immediate. Mary’s diabetes requires her to carefully monitor her diet, limiting sugar, salt and pork. Project Angel Heart’s chefs craft each meal to fit her nutritional needs, which takes away the guesswork and relieves stress from Ann.
“She gets balanced, healthy meals with the nutrients she needs for her conditions,” Ann said. “Even when I cook, you’re often relying on processed foods. These meals are made by a professional chef who understands her unique dietary needs. It makes such a difference.”
Mary has her favorites—the chicken dishes and a green chili egg bake—but she also loves the variety. “She says there aren’t enough desserts,” Ann laughed. “She still has to have her popsicle every night before bed.”
For Ann, Project Angel Heart’s meals aren’t just food on the table. They provide freedom and reassurance.
“If I’m with my grandson, I don’t have to worry. She has meals she can microwave on her own,” Ann said. “It’s helped me so much with my time and peace of mind.”
For Mary, the program offers something even more precious: human connection.
“She really looks forward to the volunteer who delivers her meals,” Ann explained. “We don’t get a lot of visitors at our house. My sons pop in now and then, but most days it’s just us, or doctors and nurses. Having that friendly face come by makes her feel cared for.”
Even with her health challenges, Mary continues to do as much as she can on her own. She showers independently, navigates the stairs of their home and puts on a strong face for her care team. But the truth is, daily life is hard—and having reliable, healthy meals makes it just a little easier.
“Project Angel Heart has made it possible for Mom to keep her independence,” Ann said. “She can live at home with dignity, instead of relying on me for every single meal. And it helps me, too. I don’t feel like I’m stretched so thin. It’s truly been a godsend.”