Aspirus Health to Assume Operations of Seasons of Life from Compassus November 1

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 1, 2021 

Aspirus Health to Assume Operations of Seasons of Life from Compassus November 1 

(WOODRUFF, WI) – Aspirus Health will assume operations of Seasons of Life Hospice House in Woodruff on November 1. 

Hospice provides support wherever the patient calls home and where they are at during the end of their health care journey. The hospice interdisciplinary team works together with physicians to manage symptoms for living life in comfort and with dignity 

“This is an important step in our continued commitment to provide local care and these necessary services in coordination with our hospitals and clinics in the Northwoods,” said Laurie Oungst, Chief Administrative Officer, Howard Young Medical Center in Woodruff. ‘We have been blessed by the community support of this facility and recognize the investment many people have made for the benefit of those who have utilized this amazing community resource.” 

Howard Young Medical Center and six other former Ascension Wisconsin hospitals, clinics and medical transport services in central and northern Wisconsin formally joined Aspirus Health on August 1. Since 2020, Seasons of Life has been operated by Compassus. 

As part of the agreement, the seven current staff members of Seasons of Life have been offered the opportunity to become employees of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services. 

Perhaps one of the best examples of community support for Seasons of Life comes from the Lakeland Gardeners. Since 2010 more than 20 members of the group have meticulously cared for a 60 x 60 prayer garden which has become a centerpiece of the facility. 

With plants and flowers of many colors, benches, water features and memory brick pathways, the garden enhances the scenic wooded setting of Seasons of Life for individuals who are unable to remain at home during their final months. 

Support from the Howard Young Foundation and proceeds from Plant Sales, Garden Walks and Garden Teas hosted by the Gardeners provides the necessary resources for the garden and the facility which serves as a legacy to the community. 

“Our garden provides the opportunity for our members to share their love of gardening while enhancing the tranquility and natural beauty of Seasons of Life,” said Kathy Kavemeier, President of the Lakeland Gardeners. “It really augments the professional staff dedicated to quality of life and offers a support system of volunteers that go beyond the physical care of the patient.” 

Aspirus provides in home services throughout north central Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Hospice care programs can be provided in any place a patient calls home, including nursing homes, and assisted living facilities as well as hospice homes like Seasons of Life. 

Aspirus Health is a non-profit, community-directed health system based in Wausau, Wisconsin. Its 11,000 employees are focused on improving the health and well-being of people throughout Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. Aspirus serves communities through four hospitals in Michigan and 13 hospitals in Wisconsin, 75 clinics, home health and hospice care, pharmacies, critical care and air-medical transport, medical goods, nursing homes and a broad network of physicians. Aspirus has been recognized four consecutive years by IBM Watson Health as a Top 15 Health System in its annual study identifying the top-performing health systems in the country. For more information, visit aspirus.org