For the Tomahawk Leader

WOODRUFF – Aspirus Health this week announced that it has assumed operations of Seasons of Life Hospice House in Woodruff as of Monday, Nov. 1.

“Hospice provides support wherever the patient calls home and where they are at during the end of their health care journey,” a release from Aspirus stated. “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, including Sacred Heart Hospital in Tomahawk, formally joined Aspirus Health on Aug. 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,” Aspirus said. “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 provide 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 northcentral 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.