Road Scholar Honors Caregivers Today and Always
Are you, or is someone you know, a caregiver? Did you know that Friday, February 21, 2025, is National Caregivers Day? While Road Scholar honors and supports caregivers year-round, we want to call attention to these selfless heroes for their generous devotion to a loved one today.
You may not realize the number of individuals helping loved ones live independently in their homes and communities. In 2025, an estimated one in five Americans are unpaid family caregivers according to AARP. Many of these individuals face challenges due to a lack of support from other sources, limited income or transportation issues.
And as our population ages, this number continues to grow.
From assisting with daily living to helping with nursing tasks, coordinating services and supports, transportation, shopping and serving as an advocate for their loved one, most family caregivers provide at least 20 hours of care each week, with some providing care 24/7.
In recognition of caregivers, Road Scholar introduced Caregiver Grants in 2015. For the past decade, hundreds of need-based grants have been awarded to caregivers needing respite but who are unable to afford a Road Scholar experience. Road Scholar understands the emotional and physical demands of providing daily care and support to a loved one and is committed to offering financial assistance to caregivers so they may attend one of our learning adventures. Individuals caring for an ill or disabled family member (spouse, parent, adult child, partner or sibling) are eligible to apply for this grant.
We encourage you to apply or share this information with a caregiver.
The Road Scholar Financial Assistance Program helps increase the social, educational and economic diversity of our Road Scholar groups, enriching the program experience for all, not just the recipients. Caregiver Grants are just one of the four financial assistance options we offer as part of our mission: to make our experiential adventures accessible to the widest possible audience of lifelong learners.
The welcoming nature and camaraderie of a Road Scholar program provide a much-needed respite from the demands of caring for an ill or disabled loved one.
Did you know? You’re eligible if…
- If you are the primary unpaid caregiver providing daily care and support for a spouse, parent, adult child, partner or sibling.
- Your loved one may also receive home care, hospice, visiting nurse, LPN services, or comparable and related services.
- Your loved one may be in adult day care, memory care, a nursing home or a comparable facility.
- You have lost a loved one within the past two years who was in any of the above situations.
- You live in the United States and are 50 or older.
- You have not taken a Road Scholar program in the last two years.
Here, a few of our Caregiver Grant recipients share what this financial assistance meant to them:
“It was an honor to receive such a wonderful Caregiver Grant award. This gift brightened up my day, and my family's when I received the news. I care for my 97-year-old mother, a college professor, and I also followed her footsteps. I planned for the Toronto program since Niagara Falls was one of the places we
visited, and it was the highlight of my learning adventure.”
— Rosalba P., Calif., Road Scholar Class of ‘23
“Caregiving is physically and financially draining. Having the chance to go on a trip of my choice — and feeling supported and valued by the Road Scholar community — made a lasting difference in my life. It’s hard to take time for yourself. Self-care is essential, and the Road Scholar Caregiver Grant made me feel seen, valued and supported.”
— Wendy S., N.Y., Road Scholar Class of ‘24
“The experience felt like the ‘Make-A-Wish’ programs but for caregivers who need a break. It can be lonely, and you can feel like no one hears you, even when your little voice is calling out. But this program is great because it recognizes you and makes you feel like someone heard you and wants to do something good for you.”
— Randi L., Wash., Road Scholar Class of ‘21
“Thank you to Road Scholar for making the Caregiver Grant available. It has brought me peace and joy. Upon receiving this grant, I chose History & Ecology: Okefenokee Swamp, Amelia & Cumberland Islands because my father would say that the sun and water have healing properties.”
— Michelle M., Ill., Road Scholar Class of ‘24
If you or someone you know would benefit from the rejuvenation that a Road Scholar Caregiver Grant offers, we invite you to learn more about our Caregiver Grants.