Meet Aretha Ficca: COHME Home Health Aide

By Katerina Yang

Aretha Ficca resides in Brooklyn, New York, and is originally from Georgetown, Guyana. She has been in the United States since 2016 and started working with COHME in 2019. Aretha enjoys working with COHME because of their good communication and follow-ups. In her free time, she likes cooking and spending time with friends. Occasionally, her grandson and his family, who still live in Guyana, come to visit her.

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

What inspired you to enter this field?

I first volunteered at a nursing home through a church program in Pennsylvania, going once or twice a week. That experience made me realize there is a high demand for healthcare for the elderly, so I decided to join COHME.

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

Each client has different needs. Sometimes they want me to keep their environment clean, wash dishes, cook, help with personal care like washing their hair or changing their bed, or take them to appointments. Whatever is required during my shift, I make sure to fulfill those needs.

What do you enjoy about working with older adults?

What I enjoy most about working with older adults is bringing them joy. Many of them are lonely because their families live far away. Visiting them and helping with their needs makes them feel less lonely, and that is very rewarding for me.

What are some challenges you've faced?

Not long ago, I had a patient who was not feeling well, but I wasn’t informed of her condition by the previous shift. When I arrived, I noticed she was constantly coughing, so I took her temperature and contacted the agency. The nurse said she would speak to a doctor, but the patient did not seem to improve, and I became concerned. I decided to call the nurse again to see about an ambulance to make sure she got the care she needed. From this experience, I learned to react quickly and be very attentive to my patients’ needs.

How have your career goals evolved?

Working for COHME and in healthcare has become my long-term career goal. I am looking forward to taking courses, earning certifications, and expanding my skills to grow in this field.

Has this work changed you?

This work has changed me a lot. It has taught me to be more patient and to appreciate life more, and not to take anything for granted.

How do you balance work and life?

Balancing work and life is very manageable for me. I follow a schedule and track my tasks carefully. I like having a routine and planning my work around it. I make sure to prioritize my job and always arrive on time.

What’s been your biggest reward?

One of my biggest rewards is working with my elderly patients and getting to meet their children, who are remarkable in their own fields. I feel a sense of responsibility for their families’ well-being, and many treat me like part of the family, which is very meaningful to me.