On campus, I find it hard to let go of my home situation. Family is everything to me but because of caring for mum, I have to be available at all times. There could be an emergency at any time. I feel constantly vigilant and anxious.

Gabriel

Did you know?

One in five students in Flanders is a caregiver. 17% spends on average 5 to 10 hours a week on caregiving tasks. 8% even spends more than 10 hours per week. Half of these students experience the combination with studying as difficult. Only 50% ask for support in their studies.

What does caregiving entail?

Caregivers take on all kinds of tasks. These can be very diverse, depending on the need for care:

  • Emotional support such as providing a listening ear or comfort, keeping company, assisting the carer at the doctor's or hospital.
  • Household tasks such as shopping, cooking, helping in the household, looking after a sibling.
  • Physical support such as helping someone out of bed, assisting with taking the stairs.
    Physical care tasks such as helping with washing, dressing and undressing, applying make-up.
  • Administrative tasks such as collecting prescriptions, following up on insurance.
  • Financial help by, for example, taking an extra paid job to pay bills with, arranging the family budget,...
  • Medical tasks such as helping to take medication, wound care, applying bandages,...

Positive influence

Caregiving can be stressful, but it also brings many positive outcomes. Caring often gives you a close bond with your family. You learn a lot of useful tasks such as grooming or household chores. Caring for a loved one contributes to your personal development. You feel useful in your role.

A big impact

Being a young caregiver can also present challenges during studies. For instance, it can be challenging to attend class (on time) and have enough time to study. Or completing tasks and meeting deadlines. There can also be a feeling of running out of time when going through internships.

These challenges can lead to study delays, and sometimes even dropping out.

The combination can also weigh on your social life. You often have less time for friends and participating in relaxing activities with fellow students. You may also experience feelings of loneliness and stress. This is quite normal.

Support during your education

Colleges and universities have a broad support offer. For example, a lot of colleges and universities have a ‘carer's statute’ or a ‘individual circumstances statute’.

Through this statute, you are entitled to support educational and examination measures, such as access to class sessions, the possibility of leaving class earlier or joining later, flexibility with deadlines, internships and exams.

In need of support?

If so, talk to the inclusion contact at your college or university. They can give you specific advice around this statute and the support offer.

Every situation is unique and requires different solutions.
Individual measures and support are therefore always tailor-made and determined in dialogue.

Overview points of contact

Not only am I a student, I am also a caregiver. Both roles demand a lot from me, but with the right support and some flexibility, they can co-exist.

Jozefien

It is not self-explanatory to take care of a loved one. Even if you are helpful, caring, respectful.

Don't forget yourself. It is also important to take care of yourself while taking care of someone else.

Talk about it

Don't get stuck with your worries. Talk to someone close to you who you trust and with whom you feel comfortable. This can be very relieving and help you sort things out. You can also seek help together.

If you are afraid to tell someone close to you about your worries, try talking about them with someone who is familiar with similar stories. This could be your GP, for example, or someone from your college or university. ZoJong! En Mantelzorg for information, advice and a place to vent and express their feelings.

Worried about someone?

Are you worried about a friend or the impact of caregiving? Then talk about it and share your concerns. Remain role-aware. You are not a professional and do not have to solve the problem. Try to listen understandingly and without judgement.

Talking pointers

Studying with care: student and expert have their say

Host Carola talks to student Kris and professor Piet Bracke (UGent) about informal care. Professor Bracke is a specialist in this field from a sociological perspective.

Want to know more, read and hear?

Podcast

Selfhelp

  • ZoJong! is an organisation that provides a platform for young carers, where they can go for information, advice and a place to vent and express their feelings.
  • Steunpunt Mantelzorg is committed to informal carergivers, young and old. You can go there with your questions about informal care, or for workshops, discussion groups and information sessions.

Website

Literature