Agrace Expands Nonprofit Hospice Care Across Southern Wisconsin

MILWAUKEE, WI – April 02, 2026 – Agrace, Wisconsin's largest nonprofit hospice provider, has significantly broadened its reach, extending its services to four key southeastern counties and effectively covering the entire southern half of the state. The expansion brings Agrace's in-home hospice care to residents of Ozaukee, Washington, Racine, and Kenosha counties for the first time.

The move marks a major development in the region's end-of-life care landscape, offering a new choice for thousands of families. For nearly 50 years, the Madison-based organization has provided compassionate care, and this latest step solidifies its presence across southeastern Wisconsin. Patients in the newly added counties will receive care where they live—whether in a private residence, an assisted living community, or a long-term care facility—from a dedicated regional team based in Wauwatosa.

A Response to a Growing Need

Agrace's expansion is not just a geographic milestone; it's a direct response to powerful demographic trends shaping Wisconsin. The state's population is aging, and the demand for comprehensive end-of-life services is growing in tandem. In Racine County, one of the newly served areas, the population aged 65 and older surged by over 38% between 2010 and 2022, now comprising more than 18% of its residents. This mirrors a statewide pattern that places increasing pressure on the healthcare system to provide accessible, high-quality hospice and palliative care.

Wisconsin already demonstrates a high rate of hospice utilization. Recent data shows that over 54% of Medicare decedents in the state utilized hospice services, placing Wisconsin fourth-highest in the nation and well above the U.S. average. This indicates a strong existing preference and need for hospice care among Wisconsin families, a need that Agrace's expansion is positioned to meet. By entering these four populous counties, the organization is strategically positioning itself to serve a community where the demand for such services is not just present but verifiably growing.

The Nonprofit Advantage in a Mixed Market

At the heart of Agrace's expansion is its identity as a nonprofit, community-supported organization. In a healthcare sector with a mix of for-profit and nonprofit providers, this distinction is a cornerstone of its mission.

"As a nonprofit, we are not driven by investor returns, which allows us to focus entirely on the needs of patients and families by reinvesting our resources into high-quality, compassionate care," said Agrace President and CEO Lynne Sexten in the announcement. "This latest step in Agrace's rapid expansion reflects our commitment to bring this type of patient-comes-first care to more families as they navigate serious illness and end-of-life care."

This patient-first philosophy is often cited as a key differentiator for nonprofit hospices. National studies have indicated that nonprofit providers, on average, tend to invest more resources directly into patient care. This can translate into more frequent visits from nurses and social workers, lower rates of patient discharge before death, and fewer hospital re-admissions. Furthermore, nonprofits typically reinvest surplus funds into community-benefit programs, such as comprehensive grief support services offered at no cost to anyone in the community, not just patient families.

Agrace enters a competitive landscape in southeastern Wisconsin. The new service areas are already home to established providers, including other respected nonprofits like Horizon Home Care & Hospice and Hospice Alliance, as well as national for-profit organizations such as VITAS Healthcare and Compassus. Agrace's entry introduces another option for families and referral partners, increasing choice and potentially elevating the standard of care through heightened competition focused on quality and patient satisfaction rather than shareholder returns.

Localized Care and Simplified Access for Families

For residents in Ozaukee, Washington, Racine, and Kenosha counties, the expansion promises a combination of broad resources and localized, personal support. Agrace will serve the region from its Wauwatosa office, deploying a multidisciplinary care team designed to address the full spectrum of patient needs. This team includes a local hospice physician, registered nurses, certified nursing assistants (CNAs), trained volunteers, and spiritual and grief counselors. This model ensures that while the organization is large, the care delivered is intimate and community-based.

A key aspect of Agrace's approach is the simplification of the referral process, a crucial benefit for families often navigating a stressful and confusing time. The organization emphasizes that anyone—a family member, a friend, or staff at a care facility—can make a referral. A formal doctor's order is not required to initiate a conversation or request an informational visit to explore options. This open-door policy is designed to lower barriers to access and empower families to seek support earlier in the process.

To operate across this expanded territory, Agrace must navigate Wisconsin's regulatory framework, including state licensing under DHS 131 and Medicare certification, ensuring consistent standards of care. Operationally, success will depend on building strong collaborative relationships with local healthcare systems, such as the Ascension and Froedtert hospitals and the numerous long-term care facilities throughout the four-county area. Forging these referral partnerships is essential for integrating into the local healthcare ecosystem and ensuring patients have a seamless transition to hospice care when needed. With admissions available seven days a week, including holidays, the provider aims to be a responsive and reliable partner for both families and healthcare professionals across its newly expanded service area.