At 29, Chris Punsalan isn’t living the typical carefree life many in their twenties might envision. While his peers are out socializing, traveling, or chasing their dreams, Chris is at home, serving as the primary caregiver for his 97-year-old grandmother.
For the past eight years, he’s been caring for his “Lola,” a role few in their twenties would consider taking on. Yet, for Chris, it’s a path he embraces fully, without hesitation.
How a 22-Year-Old Became His Grandma’s Full-Time Caregiver
In 2015, Chris Punsalan and his family, originally from the Philippines and living in Nevada, faced a difficult decision regarding his aging grandmother. She was bedridden with severe arthritis and osteoporosis, making it impossible for her to care for herself.
The family had two choices: place her in an assisted living facility or hire a full-time caregiver.
With no clear plans after his final semester of college, Chris made a life-changing decision. He chose to care for his beloved Lola himself. She had been a significant part of his upbringing, and he felt a deep responsibility to return the favor.
“She took care of me, and I would hate to see her go to home care, which is where most grandparents go in America because nobody is able to take care of them,” Chris explained.
At just 22, Chris took on the role of her full-time caregiver.
The responsibility was immense. Caregiving is physically and emotionally demanding, requiring constant attention and selflessness. Every day, Chris cares for his grandmother, a former elementary school teacher of over 20 years. His duties range from helping with toileting, diapering, meals, and baths to guiding her through daily affirmations and hand exercises.
While Chris admits the experience can feel “extremely isolating,” he remains committed to his role and has no intention of stopping.
The Unlikely Duo Go Viral
Chris, a digital content creator and musician, has been sharing his life online since 2014. In 2019, he gave his audience a glimpse into his life as a caregiver. A short, 57-second video of him and his Lola quickly went viral, racking up over 6 million views and turning them into overnight sensations.
People have been captivated by Chris Punsalan and his grandmother’s journey.
“I receive hundreds of messages daily from caregivers who share their stories and remind me that I am not alone on this journey,” Chris shares.
Encouraged by the overwhelming response to his initial video, Chris continues documenting their day-to-day life, sharing both heartwarming interactions and the challenges of caregiving. He offers helpful tips for others in similar situations, while also candidly addressing the tough moments, such as his grandmother’s declining health and dementia.
Their story has resonated with millions, and Chris now has nearly 5 million followers across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
Through this journey, Chris hasn’t just improved his grandma’s life—he’s transformed his own. Like his Lola, he’s learned the value of gratitude.
“My grandma is the most grateful person I know. Anytime someone helps her or gives her something, you can always expect a thank you,” Chris says. “Her gratitude makes her enjoy life so much. Even though she can’t move and is bound to her bed, she appreciates the smallest things, which makes her life more fulfilling.”
Cherishing Every Moment
Though Chris has found online fame, what matters most to him is the precious time he spends with his grandmother.
He understands that their time together is limited, and for now, he knows his purpose is to care for her.
That’s been the biggest lesson for Chris: “Cherish your grandparents and loved ones. Life is fragile. It’s a cliché to say ‘I love you,’ but you never know when the next time will be that you see or spend time with them.”
While not everyone can become a full-time caregiver, we can all make an effort to cherish and honor those we love.