Meet Lailutiza Jones: COHME Home Health Aide

By Katerina Yang

Lailutiza has lived in NYC her whole life. She started working for COHME in March 2018. In her free time, she likes taking long walks, attending family events, and surrounding herself with loved ones. She has a heart for caring.

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

What inspired you to enter this field?

Throughout my life, I have loved helping others and being there for people. That’s what brought me to COHME. I used to volunteer at a hospital in the Bronx, working with babies in pediatrics. A coworker suggested I explore home care, and that’s when I decided I wanted to do more for the elderly and disabled.

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

I really like it. I enjoy working with my clients. I had one client, a man whose wife told me he hadn’t spoken to his family in years. He didn’t want to do anything; he’d just sit in a chair, staring out the window, barely eating. But I worked with him, showing genuine care, taking my time, and putting myself in his shoes. I showed understanding and learned to be patient, like I would with my own family. After about three weeks, he started talking to me, and his wife was amazed. It’s about being understanding, no matter the situation. I don’t see it as a job; I see it as being a companion.

What do you enjoy about working with older adults?

A lot of my clients have taught me so much because they’ve lived such rich lives. We have great conversations, and I get to learn about their cultures, their upbringing, and even their unique perspectives on food and life. It’s such a rewarding experience to be exposed to so many different ideas, mindsets, and traditions.

What are some challenges you've faced?

One challenge is when family members interfere with my work. For example, I might encourage a client to do some physical therapy, like taking a walk, but the family might say, “No, they can’t do that.” In one case, a client was taking a nap, so I kindly initiated a conversation with his wife. I wanted her to understand that I wasn’t here to disrupt their routine or lifestyle. I’m here to help, not to change everything. It’s all about building trust, and that takes time, communication, and a lot of patience.

How have your career goals evolved?

I started working with kids, but over time, I realized I could do so much more for the elderly. This has become my long-term goal and passion. I’ve had the chance to positively impact many of my clients, and that brings me satisfaction. When I help them, I feel like I’m making a difference. Despite the challenges, I keep moving forward because I want to be there for them, just as I would for my own family. It’s not easy, but I take time to meditate and recharge when needed, then come back ready for the next day.

Has this work changed you?

I never imagined I’d develop so much patience in my life. Working with the elderly has greatly improved my communication skills. It’s all about patience and effective communication. 

How do you balance work and life?

It’s challenging, but I’ve learned to take time for myself. I’ll go for a 30-45 minute walk, clear my head, meditate, and just reset. It’s important to take a break, but I also remind myself that I need to get back to work because there are people who need me.

What’s been your biggest reward?

My biggest reward is when I feel that my clients are like family. When they truly appreciate me, it means a lot to me.