Compassionate Cleaning: Diane’s Heartfelt Care at Unity Point Hospice House

At UnityPoint Paula J. Baber Hospice Home in Fort Dodge, IA, compassionate care extends far beyond medical treatment, and one person who exemplifies this spirit is Diane Andrews, a cleaning specialist with FBG. Since joining FBG in 2018, Diane has been dedicated to ensuring that the hospice home is not just clean, but also a comforting environment for patients and their families.

Cleaning a hospice home is a unique responsibility, similar to working in a hospital but with its own emotional challenges. Diane’s role includes cleaning patient rooms, each with a private bathroom and additional space for family members to spend time. She also maintains common spaces like the kitchen and dining areas, where families gather for meals and moments of connection during difficult times. Every day, Diane interacts with patients and their families, becoming an integral part of their care experience.

As the only FBG part-time cleaner assigned to the hospice home, Diane works closely with the UnityPoint staff to ensure everything runs smoothly. The facility operates 24/7, including holidays, so her commitment goes beyond standard working hours. However, cleaning is just one aspect of her role. Diane’s caring and empathetic personality makes her a natural fit for this assignment. She understands the emotional weight that patients and their families carry, and she meets it with compassion and grace.

For Diane, the hospice home is more than just a workplace. She considers everyone there part of her “extended” family, opening her heart to all who enter. Having lost friends and family members herself, she understands the importance of hospice care and the comfort it brings to families during challenging times.

Her dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. Recently, Diane received multiple cards and gifts from grateful families of patients. Though it was a coincidence that the notes of appreciation arrived at the same time, they all shared a common theme: gratitude for Diane’s kindness, care and attention to detail.

Diane’s story is a reminder that even in the smallest actions—like cleaning a room or offering a kind word—there is an opportunity to provide comfort and support to those in need. Her hard work and compassion make a lasting impact on the patients and families at UnityPoint Hospice Home, and FBG is proud to have her on the team.

Thank you, Diane, for all that you do!

Diane, Thank you. Evelyn was our mother. If saints existed – she was one. Because of her influence, we three worked hard to be successful but more important to be decent human beings. Watching her die has been hard, but you have made it more bearable. Every one of you have carried a positive attitude into her room and treated her with dignity and total respect. Please use this to treat yourself to something special. Thank you again.

Dear Diane,

Our family will always remember the kindness, care, compassion and understanding you showed to our mom Evelyn. Over the weeks she was your patient, and we were your patients too. You are part of a team that is beyond amazing, and we are sure there will be a place in heaven for you, in my mom’s extended family, someday.

The words “thank you” are so inadequate… You made a difference everyday to those of us who came to know you.

Diane,

Thank you so very much for the kindness and compassion you gave our mother while she was in hospice. You were wonderful with her.