Meet Evelyn Myles: COHME Home Health Aide

By Katerina Yang

Evelyn, originally from Ghana, Africa, has been with COHME since 2015. She's passionate about her work as a home aide. She describes herself as lovely and always smiling. Evelyn enjoys being around people and loves taking care of her clients.

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

What inspired you to enter this field?

I’ve always had a passion for working with older people. When I see them walking alone shopping for groceries I feel a sense of sympathy for their situation. That’s why I decided to take this job to help them. I genuinely feel sympathy for their situation. I found out about this job through my sister. She heard about the opportunity from a friend and introduced me to the program.

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

Working as a home health aide means caring for older people and helping with whatever they need such as showers, dressing, feeding, and taking them outside for fresh air. I often start conversations about life, TV, the weather, or their past including what they liked doing, school, or their kids. Once I asked a client if she wanted to go to the beach and wear a bathing suit. She laughed, knowing she could not but still seemed happy.

Most clients respond well but one had trouble hearing so I had to repeat myself many times. That taught me to be patient.

What do you enjoy about working with older adults?

I enjoy this work because of the sympathy I feel for my clients. I try to treat each of them like my own mother or grandmother. For example, one of my clients just turned 103 and another is about to turn 89. I have learned to put myself in their shoes and understand what they are going through.

What are some challenges you've faced?

Some clients are picky with their food like the person I work with who lives at a facility. I try to convince them that the food is good and healthy and persuade them to eat so they can stay fit. I also tell them I will treat them with a delicious dessert later. 

Other clients or some family members can be hard to deal with. I listen carefully to what they want and do my best to help. I try to do my job well so people know I am here to help and appreciate my work.

How have your career goals evolved?

I used to work in a military store while my husband was in the navy. When I joined COHME, I decided to commit to working as a home aide long term because I love this job so much.

Has this work changed you?

This work helped me understand older people better and how to care for them. I learned to be patient, agreeable, and keep a positive mindset.

How do you balance work and life?

When I’m not working, I like staying home and watching TV. Taking time off helps me relieve stress and feel refreshed for the next work day.

What’s been your biggest reward?

My biggest reward is when my clients’ family members appreciate what I do, especially when they call the office to recommend me and say I’m doing a good job taking care of their loved ones. I even received an award from the office once for best employee.