Meet Aicha Kouyate: COHME Home Health Aide

By Katerina Yang

Aicha came from West Africa and arrived in the U.S. in 2019. She has been working

with COHME for almost six years and truly enjoys being part of the organization. She

finds COHME very professional, organized, and efficient, with a strong commitment to

caring for both the aides and the clients they serve.

Let’s get to know a little more about Aicha:

What inspired you to enter this field?

Before coming to the U.S., I used to help people in my family, and I always enjoyed

taking care of older adults. When I first arrived in the States, I worked with kids for a

while, but when I came across an opportunity at COHME, I decided to jump into this

field. This job requires more experience than working with children, but I like taking on

new challenges.

What’s it like working as a home health aide?

Usually, when I get into a patient’s home, I wash my hands thoroughly. I greet them and

ask how their night was and if they slept well. Sometimes I help remind them to take

their medication, and other times I prepare breakfast for them. After that, I suggest they

take a shower to help their body feel more comfortable. I can also take them to

appointments or bring them outside for some fresh air. When we come back inside, I

usually prepare lunch or another meal for them, and then I help them get ready for a

nap, or some prefer to do a bit of exercise instead.

What do you enjoy about working with older adults?

Helping people in general makes me very happy. Working with older adults, some in

their 80s or even 90s, is especially meaningful because they have so many stories and

so much history. They have lived through more experiences than I have. When they talk

about their stories, they make me feel as if I was there with them, experiencing those

ups and downs. It’s very thrilling.

What are some challenges you've faced?

The patients are all different and have their own personalities. Some people are harder

to deal with, and they may not listen to you or even to their loved ones. You have to be

strategic and work differently with each patient to match their personality and meet their

needs.

How have your career goals evolved?

I used to work with kids in a daycare, but my life since then has been with home health

aide work. I consider working with the elderly and being with COHME as my long-term

career path, but I also really want to go to school and learn more. I hope to become a

nurse in the future. I know nursing may be harder and it may take longer, but that is a

goal I want to work toward.

Has this work changed you?

I’ve learned to be calm and more loving. If you have love for this job and for your

patients, it makes your work much easier.

How do you balance work and life?

It’s easy for me. When I’m not working, I usually spend time with my husband. I try to

clean the house and prepare meals. I enjoy staying at home, keeping myself busy, and

also spending quality time with my family.

What’s been your biggest reward?

The biggest reward for me is working with COHME. They provide benefits and even

give gifts for birthdays and hard work. They also hold meetings to bring people together

and listen to their concerns. It’s a very caring agency.