Meet Lynn Tenakoua: COHME Home Health Aide

By Katerina Yang

Lynn comes from West Africa and has lived in New York since arriving in the United States in 1998. She has been with COHME for about four years and deeply appreciates the agency’s respect for its employees, clients, and the quality of its services. Lynn truly enjoys working at COHME, describing it as the best agency she has been part of. In her free time, she enjoys using her phone and reading updates on the COHME website to stay informed about the company. Lynn is always curious and eager to learn new things.

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

What inspired you to enter this field?

I have always enjoyed helping people, which motivated me to become a home health aide. I wanted to improve my skills in caring for others and bringing happiness to their lives. When I see my clients happy, it makes me happy too.

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

When I start my shift, I always introduce myself and ask my clients how they are and what they did that day. Some clients enjoy complimenting my clothes, which always makes me happy. The service naturally begins with a friendly conversation that helps them feel comfortable with me right from the start. 

During the day, I prepare breakfast, help clients brush their teeth, and assist them with washing and getting dressed. If they have appointments, I accompany them there. I usually work night shifts, where I make sure to check on my clients regularly. If they cannot sleep, I turn on the TV and watch with them to keep them company. I also cook for them whenever they are hungry. Most importantly, I make sure to be a comforting presence, someone they can rely on and feel cared for.

What do you enjoy about working with older adults?

My greatest pleasure comes from making my clients happy. When they are happy, I feel happy too. That feeling is what has kept me in this job for so long, and it continues to inspire me to keep doing this work.

What are some challenges you've faced?

I have had clients who did not like to talk to anyone, and at first, I found it difficult to communicate with them. However, in these situations, I reminded myself that they might be dealing with their own challenges. I try to understand things from their perspective, not take anything personally, and always acknowledge their difficulties and limitations. Most importantly, I keep in mind that I am there to make them feel comfortable and happy.

How have your career goals evolved?

I used to work as a medical assistant, then I became a certified nurse. Although I did not really enjoy my previous work, I truly enjoy my current role at COHME. Working for COHME has been a wonderful experience, and I love the organization so much that I hope to continue working in this field and with this agency for a very long time.

Has this work changed you?

This work has changed me in many ways. I have learned to stay calm when dealing with people and to never get upset, no matter the situation.

How do you balance work and life?

I go to church to socialize with my friends and build connections. I also attend school to learn how to become a better social worker. I love learning and am always eager to gain new knowledge and improve myself.

What’s been your biggest reward?

I don’t know yet what my biggest reward is. I am still exploring, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me.