Our Stories - Life is Precious

Consistent, Compassionate Care
Jay Brand

Sep, 2016

For most people having blood drawn is not an experience they look forward to, and Jay Brand, professor of Leadership and Higher Education at Andrews University, is no exception. However, Jay’s most recent experience during a health screening at Lakeland helped change his prior negative impression, and he found the experience to be much less intimidating than before.

As Jay recalls, it was the people who made his experience a cut above any he previously had.

“I’ve never, ever, enjoyed having blood drawn in my life,” said Jay. “I can honestly say it was a joyful experience due to the atmosphere created by my care team at Lakeland. Every person I encountered was caring, friendly, genuinely concerned about my health, and very warm, accepting, and affirming; I was amazed!”  

Reflecting on the compassionate care he had received months prior, Jay turned to Lakeland Health once more when facing the difficult situation involving his mother, Naomi Bragaw’s, declining health. Shortly after suffering a stroke, Naomi chose to enter Hospice care, seeking a peaceful and positive experience in her last days.

Offered through Caring Circle, A Lakeland Health Affiliate, Hospice at Home focuses on caring for people and their entire family, keeping in mind what is important to them during the end stages of a progressive illness

According to Jay, she received precisely what she prayed for in the days leading to her passing.

“My mother received genuine care and concern from every single person she interacted with at Hospice at Home,” said Jay. “Everyone we encountered was extremely warm, sympathetic, helpful, caring, and comforting.”

“Lakeland Health stands without peer in the world in this regard,” he said. “They are not only as good at customer service as I believe to be possible, but everyone consistently provides that level of service – no exceptions!  I find that level of consistency to be very comforting.”