Meet Awa Diop: COHME Home Health Aide

By Katerina Yang

Awa is from Senegal in West Africa and has been in the United States for about 32 years. She has been with COHME for seven years, and her life is centered around her work. In her free time, she usually stays home with her family and sometimes goes shopping.

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

What inspired you to enter this field?

I’ve always enjoyed helping the elderly, starting with my grandma. That experience inspired me to come to COHME. I was a hairdresser for 25 years, and I really loved that work, but I decided to transition into a new field where I could focus on helping the elderly.

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

As a home health aide, I visit my clients daily, greet them, and check what they would like to eat. I prepare their meals throughout the day, including breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner. I also help with household tasks like cleaning their bathrooms, making their beds, and assisting them with dressing. It’s very hands-on work, but I enjoy being there to support and care for them.

What do you enjoy about working with older adults?

I enjoy working with older adults because their happiness makes me happy. I get to meet so many different people and learn their stories, which I find very rewarding. Over time, as I get to know my clients, I feel more adaptable and confident in my work. Knowing them well helps me serve them better. The work can be routine, but it’s also very energetic, and I enjoy starting conversations and making them smile. I especially love hearing about their past, like how they met their husband or their life experiences.

What are some challenges you've faced?

Sometimes the work can be stressful, especially in the beginning when you don’t know your clients well. They may give specific instructions or have habits and preferences that aren’t immediately obvious. Over time, I’ve learned to anticipate their needs and provide care without needing constant direction. When a client is difficult or upset, I find ways to help them calm down, like turning on the TV or giving them a distraction, and then I engage with them once they’re in a better mood. Every day I learn more, and my focus is always on making them happy.

How have your career goals evolved?

Working at COHME, which is very respectful and helpful to its workers, has helped me realize that healthcare is my long-term career goal. I am committed to growing in this field and continuing to help others.

Has this work changed you?

Working with the elderly has made me more empathetic. I have developed a strong instinct to help older people, even those who are not my clients. Whether I see someone in a market, on the street, or at a train station, I feel a genuine desire to help them.

How do you balance work and life?

It is a manageable job, and I don’t feel overworked. I balance work and life by making sure I take care of myself and spend quality time with my family.

What’s been your biggest reward?

One of my biggest rewards is cooking for my clients and hearing them compliment the meals I prepare. It really makes my day.