One CHIP Family’s Story
Mom saw a post about CHIP services on social media. She and her partner felt they could benefit from additional information on parenting and health support and enrolled in the program.
Dad and Mom are parents to two children, Mary and John (not real names to protect confidentiality). Mary, now two years old, was born prematurely at 24 weeks and entered the world at only 1 pound, 9 ounces. John, now 11 months, was full-term at birth; however, he was diagnosed with a neurological disorder shortly after birth. John has several other medical issues yet to be diagnosed and is under the care of a neurologist and geneticist.
Mary is a happy and outgoing child. Due to her prematurity, she suffers from ongoing respiratory issues, motor skill, and language delays. She is receiving Early Intervention services and making improvements in all areas of her development. When CHIP staff first met John, he was five months old, yet still the size of a newborn with very little muscle control. He had a feeding tube, and the family had many questions about his health and development. While most of the children’s medical needs were being met at the time of CHIP enrollment, Dad and Mom felt overwhelmed, with little support to help them.
Dad is a stay at home dad while Mom works a full-time job. Dad talked with the CHIP team about feeling depressed and being overwhelmed with his children’s health needs as he was dealing with his own health issues from an old injury. CHIP staff referred Dad to the program’s contracted counselor at no cost to him since he had no insurance. The counselor made weekly visits in the home for several months. Dad expressed the counseling helped him “put things in perspective” and taught him some coping skills.
With all the family’s medical appointments, Dad and Mom found themselves struggling financially. CHIP staff contacted a local charity that agreed to pay for gas to and from medical appointments. Staff also continued to assist the family in accessing food and diapers through community programs during difficult months.
Due to Mom’s work schedule, Dad often takes the children to appointments alone. This is often a very difficult time for him. CHIP staff have accompanied Dad to several medical appointments and helped cared for the children so Dad could talk with the doctor without interruptions. Additionally, the CHIP Nurse has attended appointments with Dad and helped the family understand the medical aspects of John’s care.
Recently the CHIP Nurse worked with New River Valley Community Services to place John on the waiting list for Intellectual Disability Waiver services, important for his care. The Nurse and family also worked together to arrange an appointment at the Duke Hospital Undiagnosed Disease Program.
The CHIP Family Educator has continued to work with the Dad and Mom on parenting their children and helping Mary reach her cognitive milestones. At enrollment, Dad reported he and Mom read to Mary four times a week. The Family Educator provided information on the importance of reading to young children and brought books for the family at every home visit. After a few months of visits, Dad was happy to tell the CHIP team that he and Mom were reading to the children daily. The family also reported improvements in areas of affection, responsiveness, and encouragement with their children since enrollment.
Dad has expressed appreciation for the CHIP team, stating he feels like he can talk to them and they understand and listen. He also states, “They seem to really care about our family.” While Dad, Mom, Mary, and John have a long road ahead of them, CHIP staff will be there to help support and guide them along the way.