A Way of Care

Aspirus Seasons of Life Hospice House in Woodruff, Wisconsin holds a special place in Gracee “Chirpi” Vickerstaff’s heart. She served on the Board of Directors for the hospice house starting in the late 1980s. She and her husband, William “Vick”, who served as the Chairman of the Board for Howard Young Medical Center at the time, were involved with building it. And it was where Vick spent his final days years later. 

“I took care of my husband at home for as long as I could,” Chirpi said. “I knew at Seasons of Life he would be well cared for and that I could visit him any time. It was a very moving and wonderful experience for our whole family. And this past fall, my son was treated by hospice at home until he passed away.”

Knowing the thought, planning and energy that went into establishing Seasons of Life, as well as what the services bring to patients and families, Chirpi was elated to learn that Aspirus was committed to take over and assume operations of the hospice house and program.

“Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services was one of the first hospice programs in the United States,” stated Amy Kitsembel, Bereavement Team Lead for Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services. “It is the most important work for the soul who is providing the work and the soul who is receiving that work, and it incorporates the physical, spiritual and social.”

The hospice interdisciplinary team works together with physicians to manage symptoms for living life in comfort and with dignity. Services can be provided wherever a patient calls home, including private residences, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, hospitals or our local hospice house. 

Seasons of Life Hospice House is a place of comfort and companionship in Woodruff for patients who choose an alternative to home but still want a home-like setting. A prayer garden with brick pathways and vibrant plants, tended by Lakeland Gardeners, provides a soothing atmosphere for patients and their loved ones. The generosity of Howard Young Foundation donors and proceeds from events hosted by the Lakeland Gardeners provides the necessary resources for the garden and the facility. 

“As we have worked to integrate Seasons of Life into the Aspirus system, we quickly realized how much the community supports hospice and the deep responsibility of caring for the people at this special home in the Northwoods,” said Cindy Rider, Vice President of Post-Acute Care for Aspirus Health. 

“Hospice isn’t a place; it’s a way of care,” Amy said. “We work with our hearts, and want to provide people with the best end of life experience that we can.” 

For more information about comfort care and hospice services or Seasons of Life Hospice House, call 715-847-2424 or email Amy Kitsembel at [email protected]. 

You can support Aspirus Seasons of Life Hospice House and local hospice services by contributing to the Howard Young Foundation. Go to howardyoungfoundation.org or mail a check to the Howard Young Foundation, PO Box 470, Woodruff, WI 54568.

Read more stories from our Summer 2022 Defining Moments Magazine HERE.