Seasons of Life hospice care transitioning to home and community settings

WOODRUFF, Wis. After careful thought and consideration, based on the changing needs of the Northwoods community Aspirus Health will sunset hospice care at Seasons of Life Hospice House in Woodruff and transition hospice care to homes, assisted living facilities, nursing homes and other appropriate community settings. The organization made the difficult decision after carefully evaluating patient needs, utilization, staffing requirements and the long-term sustainability of the eight-bed hospice house.

The Aspirus at Home Hospice team will continue caring for current patients and will work directly with each patient, family, and provider to create a thoughtful transition plan based on individual needs and preferences. A final service date will depend on the needs of the current patient census.

"We understand what Seasons has meant to patients, families, caregivers, volunteers and supporters throughout the Northwoods," said Tom Kaster, Vice President of Home Health, Hospice and Home Medical Equipment for Aspirus Health. "We are deeply grateful to the families, donors and volunteers whose support made Seasons a place of comfort and dignity for so many. We will continue the mission of compassionate hospice care for patients and families throughout the Northwoods, even as care transitions from this building to home and community settings."

Seasons of Life currently serves an average of about four patients each day but requires staff coverage around the clock. The combination of sustained low demand, significant staffing needs and rising care-delivery costs makes the dedicated facility model increasingly difficult to maintain. Nationally, hospice care occurs overwhelmingly outside hospice houses, with patients most often receiving support at home or in residential care settings.

Aspirus at Home-Home Care & Hospice expanded its Northwoods capabilities in July, including an improved on-call process and a broader service area. The team now supports patients in communities including Arbor Vitae, Eagle River, Three Lakes, Mercer, Manitowish Waters, Boulder Junction and Crandon. Aspirus will also continue to operate its Hospice House in Wausau.

"Hospice care is not ending in the Northwoods," Kaster said. "We are directing our people and resources toward a model that can reach more patients across a wider area while preserving the interdisciplinary care and personal support families deserve. Our commitment remains the same: to stand beside patients and loved ones during life's most difficult moments."

Aspirus leaders and Human Resources partners are working individually with the 11 affected team members to discuss support, role options, and growth opportunities across the health system. Aspirus recognizes the skill, dedication and compassion these caregivers have brought to patients and families and will support them throughout the transition.

Aspirus remains committed to the Northwoods and will continue to adapt its services to meet changing community needs. By strengthening home- and community-based hospice care, the organization aims to protect access, sustain quality and extend compassionate support to more patients and families across the region.