Stories of love, dignity, and resilience.
We believe the most powerful stories are often the quietest ones the daily rituals, the bonds between generations, the laughter and the tears.
Our mission is simple: to honor the lives of our elders whether cared for by others, caring for loved ones, or caring for themselves and to recognize the caregivers who walk beside them.
Through film, photography, and storytelling, we bring dignity, warmth, and humanity back to the conversation around aging and caregiving.
Our Mission
Stories We Tell
Every story begins with a simple truth: the bond between elders and the people who love them and the resilience of seniors who care for themselves. Some stories are tender, some are difficult, all are deeply human. Through film and photography, we capture these quiet moments of resilience, care, and connection.
The film that sparked it all…
It all began with a simple advertising film. Directed by our founder, Rudi Schwab, this short was created in partnership with Gillette to highlight the quiet power of caregiving.
No actors. No script. Just a father and son, sharing an intimate moment of care.
The response was extraordinary — millions of views worldwide, awards from Cannes to the Emmys, and, most importantly, countless messages from families who saw themselves reflected in its tenderness.
Today, that spirit continues here — through the voices of elders and caregivers everywhere.
“When you’re alone, you realize…”
At 98 years old, a Korean War veteran reflects on endurance, faith, and survival. From bitter cold nights to the silence of loss, he learned that strength is not the absence of fear but the persistence of hope.
“80 Something.”
Four women share the challenges, and wisdom of life past 80. Their voices remind us that aging is not an ending, but a gathering proof that friendship, humor, and resilience keep us alive in more ways than one.
“Dating at 70 is not the same as when you’re 20…”
His story reminds us that love and companionship don’t belong only to the young. Even later in life, opening your heart takes courage.
At the heart of our platform are three voices: those who give care, those who receive it, and those who carry the daily responsibility of caring for themselves.
For elders, these are stories of wisdom, independence, and resilience. For caregivers, they are quiet acts of love that hold families together.
By weaving all perspectives into film and photography, we honor the shared humanity at the center of every story.
Elders & Caregivers
Why It Matters
Every day, 10,000 people in the U.S. turn 65.
Today, more than 53 million Americans provide unpaid care to a family member.
By 2030, older adults will outnumber children for the first time in history.
Our platform exists to make those stories visible to remind us that how we treat our elders, and how we support caregivers and independent seniors, defines us as a society.
Join the Story
If you or a loved one has a story to share, we’d be honored to hear it. Tell us a little about yourself below. We read every message with care.
About Us
For over two decades, Rudi has told stories that move people, directing award-winning films and commercials recognized at Cannes, the Emmys, and beyond. He’s a member of the DGA and he works on projects worldwide.
His wife, Heidi, began her career in fashion before following a call to nursing. Now a Clinical Research Nurse in oncology, she blends creativity, compassion, and innovation to improve patient care.
Together they founded Handle With Care Stories to honor one of the most uncelebrated groups in our culture elders, caregivers, and seniors who care for themselves. Their mission is simple: to shine a light on voices too often left unheard.
