Industry · WI
Aspirus Health to Close Wisconsin Hospice House
Aspirus Health, based in Wausau, Wisconsin, will close its eight-bed Seasons of Life Hospice House in Woodruff and shift hospice care to patients' homes, assisted living facilities, nursing homes and other community settings. The system cited low utilization, averaging about four patients a day, along with round-the-clock staffing requirements and rising costs as reasons for the closure, according to an Oct. 15 news release. The Aspirus at Home hospice team will continue caring for current patients and develop individualized transition plans. No final closure date has been set and will depend on current patients' needs.
Why it mattersThe closure signals continued financial pressure on inpatient hospice facilities, pushing more end-of-life care responsibility onto home- and community-based settings that Medicaid LTSS programs and managed care plans must help coordinate.