A new report showed that many caregivers in Canada’s music industry aren’t aware of the resources offered to help them. The report was published by Women in Music Canada and Music Publishers. With more than 200 Canadian music professionals surveyed, nearly 80 per cent said they weren’t aware of any existing programs and resources. And the organizers of the survey also point out that same deficit exists in other streams of society.  My father had Parkinson’s and my mother was his sole caregiver.  I’m not sure what supports for caregivers were available at that time, but I know another family member recently diagnosed with Parkinsons is living in a different era in many respects when it comes to information available.  Now this is in a rural area of Canada, the only real booming metropolis is four to five hours away but they have already as a couple accessed seemingly well-developed supports such as a group gathering for the caregivers which takes place while the person suffering Parkinsons can partake of other activities at the same time.  And they are seeking as much knowledge as they can find but being older would prefer something like a newsletter delivered to their home or their email.  I couldn’t find something like that for them, but I did share many online information portals. Caregivers to not only be aware supports regardless of what illness a family member has but they have to give themselves the okay to take part in anything that provides respite.  Caregiver burnout is very real.  I urge those who are in a caregiver role to know that it’s okay to not be okay every day and to reach out because there is someone out there who can help.