The academic, economic, and emotional toll for students with added caregiving responsibilities is clear.
The reality, however, is more nuanced.
The academic, financial, and emotional stress can take a toll.
Four in ten (43%) student caregivers keep their caregiving responsibilities private.
Others said they thought school officials wouldnt understand.
Judgment from peers and a lack of understanding from instructors were the most common grievances.
Student caregivers dont have an obvious choice about which school official to inform.
Most students feel supported, even if they are guarded in telling others about their caregiving responsibilities.
A vast majority of students (86%) said they are satisfied with how their school treated them.
And nearly two-thirds of students said their instructor or professor was very or somewhat supportive.
From the academic institutions perspective, early identification of student caregivers is key.
Flexibility is the most obvious solution.
More than half of student caregivers seek policies that include flexibility with deadlines and attendance.
AARP conducted an online survey via AYTM Panel of 400 U.S. adults 18 and older June 2426.
All participants were both students and caregivers.
For more information, c’mon contact Laura Skufca atlskufca@aarp.org.
For media inquiries, hey contactmedia@aarp.org.
Generally, caregivers give providers high marks.
