Life has a way of challenging us with the unexpected. For most people, this might be the car breaking down at an inopportune time or a surprise project at work with a tight deadline. For Iffat, life surprised her with two challenges. First, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system causing muscle weakness, coordination problems, and numbness among other symptoms. Then, her six-year-old son was diagnosed with leukemia, a type of cancer that affects one’s blood and bone marrow.

Raising two young children can be challenging for any parent but trying to create and maintain a stable home environment with these two illnesses adds even more complications.

Iffat wanted to be there for her children 24/7 but matching their energy levels while managing her condition was difficult. Iffat’s husband tries to support as much as he can but as the only person working in the home, he works long hours to make sure the family stays afloat financially. She was exhausted and needed help. Thankfully, she was connected with a local program, funded by the Region of Peel and fully free to eligible residents such as herself: VHA Home HealthCare (VHA)’s Connected Families: Mental Health Supports for Families with Children Program. Through the program, she was connected with Jeevan, a skilled Child and Family Support Worker who began visiting Iffat’s home twice a week for three-hour periods to care for the children while Iffat rested.

“It was so amazing to know that they were taken care of,” says Iffat. “Making sure they’re safe while managing my own condition can be very stressful but when Jeevan was there, I knew I could just focus on resting.”

Jeevan was a great fit with Iffat’s family. In their home, the family typically speaks Urdu so being provided a support person who also spoke Urdu helped ensure that everyone could communicate with ease and made building personal relationships with Iffat and her children even smoother. She would eagerly play with the kids, which usually took the form of hide-and-seek or board games, and made sure they had nutritious, child-approved meals and snacks. Her experience with children showed quickly.
“Without her help, what we’re going through would be even more difficult,” says Iffat. “I’m so grateful for the program and the time Jeevan was able to spend with my kids.”

The three-month duration of the program gave Iffat the precious time she needed to rest and allow herself some very well-deserved self-care. While the family still continues to navigate a challenging path, the support provided by Jeevan and VHA helped make a tough time a little easier through reliable and compassionate care.

The VHA’s Connected Families: Mental Health Supports for Families with Children Program is available to residents within the City of Toronto and the Region of Peel free of charge. Learn more about this program and how to apply here.