News

Helen Aponte of Clinton County is Council on Aging’s 2026 Home Health Aide Hero in the AddnAide & Consumer-Directed Care category.

Aponte serves as home health aide for 15 clients in the Clinton County ESP program, providing assistance with housekeeping and transportation to medical appointments and the grocery store.

One of Aponte’s two nominators, Clinton County ESP Care Manager Carla, shared that “My clients all rave about the cleaning Helen does, and I can honestly attest that when I walk into a client’s home that Helen has cleaned, it’s spotless and sparkling!”

According to Carla, Helen is a natural caregiver who is very professional, prompt, caring, empathetic, and willing to help wherever needed.

Aponte also keeps Carla informed if she notices a change with her clients that may signal a medical concern, which makes Carla’s job easier.

COA team member Abigail, her other nominator, shared that Helen is patient and treats everyone with respect and kindness and that she is patient with all of her clients and takes the time to get to know them.

Clinton County ESP offers Consumer-Directed Care (CDC), where clients may hire their own home care aides rather than receive aide services through a traditional home care agency.

Working as an aide through CDC allows Helen the flexibility to set her own schedule, freeing up her time during the evenings and weekends to care for her adult son who has disabilities.

Helen’s work also benefits her clients’ family caregivers, who now may attend to their own obligations and don’t have to spend precious time with their loved ones doing housework and running errands.