About three million Australians provide care to a family member or friend and there are events to recognise, celebrate and raise awareness of carers throughout Australia from 13 to 19 October.

Like most carers, Aruna Perera, 68, doesn’t have the time or inclination to put herself first. She’s also dealing with the kind of grief that parents dread.

For-purpose aged and disability care organisation VMCH is one of Victoria’s largest state-funded carer support providers, supporting almost 3,000 unpaid carers.

Its 24-member Carer Services team focuses on the health and wellbeing of the carer and offers education and information, personal care, flexible respite and a multitude of special events.

Aruna connected with VMCH when her daughter, Morina, began receiving palliative care in 2022. Morina was diagnosed with bowel cancer aged just 37, and endured almost 10 years of chemo, radiation and surgeries before finally succumbing to the disease last year, aged 46.

“Morina was a very independent, strong and brave girl,” Aruna says.

“As a family, we were there to give her all the support we could and help and understanding whenever she needed. It was so good to have VMCH help too. My daughter was finding it difficult to walk her dog, so they helped us find someone to do that, also to help with cleaning the house, and hospital transfers.”

Aruna now cares for her husband Kuranage, 76, who struggles with rheumatoid arthritis and is recovering from a stroke. Aruna, who also has osteo arthritis, is reluctant to leave Kuranage’s side.

Kuranage, with his late daughter Morina, and his wife and carer Aruna.

VMCH Case Manager Ishita Bains links the couple with support through My Aged Care, including garden maintenance, so they can enjoy their outdoor space.

“I’m so thankful to Ishita – she has been so kind and has explained everything to us about the help we’re eligible to receive. Our two sons and their families are very supportive, but they are also busy with their own commitments,” said Aruna.

VMCH Carer Services Manager Fredricka Gonsalves says her team tries to provide meaningful experiences and supports for suit individuals to help combat common challenges including social isolation and burnout.

“The work carers do often goes unnoticed, but it is essential in maintaining their loved one’s independence and connection to their community.”

National Carers Week is an initiative of Carers Australia, funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services, and coordinated with the assistance and participation of the National Carer Network.

If you would like to learn more about VMCH Carer Services, call 1300 698 624.