The Care Compass, March 19, 2026
The Care Compass with Nicole Brandon
Navigating the Journey of Aging and Caregiving
In this introductory episode, host Nicole Brandon launches "The Care Compass," a dedicated space for guidance, support, and answers regarding the complexities of aging. Drawing from her personal experience as a world-class athlete and a primary caregiver, she shares a powerful narrative of crisis, advocacy, and the miraculous recovery of her parents. The show aims to bridge the gap between medical challenges and the emotional heart of family caregiving.
From Crisis to Advocacy: A Personal Journey
Nicole Brandon, a 13-time Martial Arts Hall of Fame inductee, recounts a life-altering moment two years ago when her mother collapsed during a major awards ceremony. What was meant to be a celebration of a "Living Legend" award turned into a multi-year battle through comas, seizures, and severe medical complications including strokes and Parkinson's disease. This experience, coupled with her father’s own health battles with cancer and a broken neck, serves as the foundation for the podcast’s mission to support others in similar "shifted" moments.
Practical Preparedness and Medical Advocacy
A critical takeaway from Brandon’s experience is the necessity of maintaining updated medical records. She emphasizes that having a parent's medication list, allergy information, and specialist contact details readily available on a phone can be lifesaving during emergency room visits. Beyond documentation, she highlights the importance of "taking charge" and acting as the "captain of the ship." By challenging medical assessments that suggested her mother was "done" with recovery, Brandon was able to advocate for therapy at times when her mother was most alert, eventually leading to a miraculous recovery where her mother is now walking and talking again.
The Art of Selecting Caregivers
Finding the right support involves more than just hiring for "presence"; it requires finding a "spark" that connects with the patient’s personality. Brandon shares that she went through nine different agencies before understanding the right formula for care. She illustrates this with a story of a caregiver who, without being asked, sang to and comforted her mother in the hospital. The ideal caregiver should align with the parent’s sense of humor, hobbies, and emotional needs to truly foster wellness and joy.
"The Care Compass" is more than a podcast; it is a lighthouse for those navigating the unknown waters of elderly care. Nicole Brandon reminds listeners that while the journey is often fraught with vulnerability and tears, it is also an opportunity for profound love and achievement. By combining practical preparedness with fierce advocacy and heart-centered care, families can steer their loved ones toward wellness and dignity.
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The time has come to tell my story and to open my heart. Its been a crazy four years with my parents care. I have learned so much. I have learned about senior living and I have learned about myself. I never knew the true definition of care. I now truly know what the word care means. I could never have imagined deep love. I have loved before. Not like this, love is a deep well that never ends and always there is the light shining through. The smile, the laugh, the touch, the wink, the hand held tightly, fingers wrapped and never letting go. It is the unspoken thanks you-s and the tears behind the fears. It is the angels that surround you and the breath, and the kiss that seem like the first kiss and the last kiss at the very same time. It's appreciating each moment, each second, each day, each sunset, each nightfall, each song, each memory in a brand new way. It is life appreciated and a life of gratitude that we are together. I have stepped outside myself for this journey, I actually stepped away from my life, yet I dove in without question, inside this world I never knew called parents and child love. It has been extraordinary and many of you have been by my side for the ride. Thank you.
So many days and nights I would talk to myself inside my head, questions, no answers, no one to talk to, no where to turn. My Dad's Cancer, my uncle's Parkinson's, my mom's Alzheimer's and her stroke, the uphill battle to keep them together, the journey thru home health and hospice, hospitals and assisted living, caregivers and therapists, doctors and heroes. My friends that sang to my parents, those that came by to say hello, those that sat in the hospital next to me, and said close your eyes, rest, I've got this and knew when I was ready to fall. Each mountain; insurance, Medicare, long term health, feeding tubes, oxygen, wheelchairs and walkers, medical supplies, transportation and days to just cherish another milestone - birthday, anniversary, and new year.
Lately I have been compelled to share. I'm heading back on the radio. To create a podcast for other me-s. Other children my age whose parents are aging and need help. I wish someone, anyone would have given me some direction or help. I have been my own compass and guide. If I can help even one person not have the tears I shed, or the sleepless nights, and the fears I endured, then I have gifted my journey and shared that little light. I now want to share what I've learned and open doors and ease hearts in anyway that I can. It's an extraordinary journey. This thing called Life.
My new Podcast "The Caring Compass" The Aging Parent's Survival Guide, will launch next week. If you would like to be a sponsor, or a guest please reach out to me directly. If you are on this journey and you have a question, feel free to reach out. Anything that I can share or anyway that I can help, I have reached the top of the mountain and I can say, this is how you climb.
For those looking for miracles, my mom is back with my Dad. Yes, I moved her in on Wednesday. She fought her way back to him. (For those that remember; two years ago she spent months in the hospital - unable to move, walk, or to talk) she was in limbo and we would talk to her and whisper in her ear trusting she was inside. Her love for my dad brought her home. This week, the miracle, Now she has returned. She’s walking, and talking, laughing, and hugging, and she can tell you she loves you. That’s the power my parents have together. When she came through the door, she kept saying; Oh God! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Oh God! Thank You! There wasn't a dry eye in the house, the entire facility was crying happy tears. It is a path, it is a journey, it is one step and then the next. Hold my hand and I will walk with you. Steady and together we will stand. See the light, it's there, ….just one step forward. Yes! …. and together we will walk towards love.
*****
"It is with pride and pleasure that I submit this letter of endorsement for Nicole Brandon. For more than two years I have witnessed her demonstration of caring, dedication, commitment and advocacy for her parents' geriatric increasing needs and care, as well as for their peers, at two seperate assisted-living communities.
Nicole would be an asset to any entity fortunate to gain her employ."
Rochelle S. Stephens, Reitired Executive Director of Public Houstin Authority.
*****
"I have had the opportunity to witness Nicole in her role as a caregiver to her parents over the past two years, and her commitment to their well-being has been nothing short of extraordinary. She has made significant personal sacrifices, including putting her professional speaking and travel on hold, in order to be fully present for their care. These sacrifices have come at great personal, financial, emotional, and physical cost.
Despite the strain, Nicole continues to show up for her parents with unwavering dedication. She routinely cancels appointments, business opportunities, and social engagements at a moment’s notice to drive the seven hours from Prescott, Arizona—where she lives part-time—to Newport Beach to attend medical appointments, coordinate insurance matters, hire and supervise caregivers, manage household and medical bills, and advance funds when payments were delayed or interrupted. She has also spent countless hours advocating for her parents on the phone with doctors, providers, and insurance companies.
As a caregiver myself, I recognize the level of responsibility and emotional endurance this requires. Nicole has gone far beyond what is expected to ensure her parents receive the highest possible standard of care. Her devotion, integrity, and selflessness are unmistakable, and I am proud to offer my full support and testimony on her behalf."
Claudia Hartman
*****
"To Whom It I am in awe of Nicole’s ability to care so deeply for her parents, she literally changed her mother’s prognosis. When I initially observed her mother, she had no sitting balance and was dependent on her aide for all self-care. Through Nicole’s guidance the treatment team continued to pursue goals that seemed unreachable. As a result, her mother is fully ambulatory and able to assist in all self-care and feeding herself. I have never seen so much progress as an OT for over forty years!
Nicole is simply amazing at encouraging her mother’s treatment team in all aspects and her mother’s progress is the result."
Kim Binder, Occupational Therapist
*****
"I am writing to recommend Nicole Brandon to host a radio show in senior care, or in any space in the senior community.
Nicole is a great example of someone who is compassionate, caring, and dedicated.
You will find Nicole to be someone who not only is dedicated to any role she is given, but she displays professionalism, passion, and true selflessness.
We had the opportunity to work together when I held a Walk to End Alzheimer's event last October. Nicole was eager to help and so kind throughout the process. As our Keynote Speaker Nicole made an impact with those attending by her heartfelt personal connection to Alzheimer's. Her profound commitment to her parent’s care was inspirational to others especially to those who are facing similar challenges, life changes, and triumphs.
I am honored to know Nicole and all that she brings to our community in so many ways. This is evident in public speaking, supporting others, or just being a great example of being a kind individual."
Malena Peraza, Community Engagement Coordinator
*****
"I am writing to offer my recommendation for Nicole. As her father’s physical therapist, I have had the opportunity to work closely with her and to witness firsthand the dedication and advocacy she brings to every aspect of his care.
Nicole is proactive and persistent in coordinating her father’s medical needs. She advocates on his behalf. She is determined when navigating through insurance issues. Which, anyone who has dealt with insurance companies knows how necessary that trait is to get anything done. Her determination and follow-through have made a meaningful difference in his access to services and overall quality of care.
Beyond medical coordination, Nicole ensures that her father’s daily needs are consistently met. She oversees his caregiving support, maintains his schedule, and remains closely involved in his social and emotional well-being. Her approach is thoughtful, organized, and compassionate, reflecting a holistic understanding of what quality elder care truly entails."
Maria Valencia PT, DPT, Clinic Director
*****
"I've had the pleasure of knowing Nicole Brandon for over a decade. Year after year, I have watched her walk through the clinic doors, expertly navigating the complexities of caring for her aging parents. Her level of patience and empathy is truly admirable. In a world that often moves too fast for our seniors, Nicole is the person who slows down.
In our clinic, Nicole is more than just a daughter. She is her parents' fiercest advocate who ensures her parents are never overlooked or unheard. Whether she is meticulously managing their medications or providing a gentle word of comfort, she does it all with grace.
Nicole is the embodiment of what it means to honor our elders. Her reliability is the bedrock of her family's well-being. Nicole is a beautiful exan1ple of selfless care. I am honored to recommend her for this recognition and her dedication deserves to be celebrated. Thank you for your consideration. Please do not hesitate to contact me."
Gregg Feinerman, M.D. F.A.C.S.
*****
"On Behalf of Coastal Heights Senior Living Community, I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation for the exceptional care, compassion, and dedication that Nicole Brandon consistently shows towards her aging mother and father within our community.
It is evident that in every interaction that she surrounds them with genuine care, and unwavering support, and deep love. As an adult daughter, the responsibility of caring for an agin parent can carry significant emotional and personal weight. It is a role that often requires strength, patience, and selflessness, and she embodies these qualities with grace.
While this journey can be challenging, having the support of a compassionate community and devoting varegivers helps ease that burden. Her partnership withour team allows her mother to feel safe, valued, and truly at home, while also offering the peace of mind that comes from knowing she is surrounded by people who care deeply about her well-being.
We are honored to be part of this journey with Nicole and are grateful for the trust she places in our community. Her devotion does not go unnoticed, and it is a privilege to witness the love and advocacy you provide each and every day."
Catherine Ratelle, Executive Director, Coastal Heights Senior Living
*****
[00:00] Speaker 1: Oh yeah, you are the care compass pointing hearts back home. Turning quiet, lonely rooms into places they belong. To the elderly, the wise, you give your steady light. Careful care, caring compassion in the soft hours of the night. Oh, ooh. Hi, it's Nicole Brandon, and welcome to Care Compass. I'm so excited to be doing this show with you. It's so important to be able to have someone to talk to, to have someone to guide you, to have a place that you can ask the questions that you really want to ask, and a place to actually find answers, direction, comfort, care, support, and a little laughter, hope, vision, dreams, all of those things along the way. Starting next week, we will be having, um, guests from every aspect of aging, and you'll be able to call in and talk to them, ask the questions that you've always wanted to ask, and get those answers that you need in your heart. I decided to come on today, um, as it was a auspicious day for me today.
[01:38] Speaker 1: As we've been setting up and doing promos for this show, I realized today that this weekend is the Martial Arts Hall of Fame events, and I am an inductee in the Martial Arts Hall of Fame. If you know anything about me, I'm a world champion. I'm actually 13-time Hall of Fame inductee. And two years ago, I, um, was winning the Living Legend Award and I invited my parents to go with me to the awards. And it was a really big deal for me to be winning the Living Legend Award. Um, my dad's cousins flew in from back east and we had a really special table and, and a beautiful night planned. And the fact that I could be receiving something so ginormous and be able to share it with my parents was such a gift. And as we were at the table, before the evening really began, um, my mom collapsed. And she literally just collapsed at the table, and you can hear the gasps from around the room.
[02:54] Speaker 1: And the next thing I knew, the paramedics were there, and the ambulances were there, and the fire engines were there, and I was in an ambulance, in a gown, heading to the hospital. And then my mom proceeded to have four or five days of non-stop rolling seizures, and, um, and she didn't come back. She went into, um, a coma state where she couldn't talk and she couldn't open her eyes and she couldn't move her hands or her feet, and, and we knew she was in there, and, uh, to go from that high, high, high, an evening that was supposed to be a mark in my life and my existence, to then sleeping in the hospital and moving into the hospital, and being there for her, and being there for my dad.
[03:59] Speaker 1: And I remember that I was sleeping in the hospital and I was in the room, and my father was, um, saying his goodbyes to my mom, and telling her what an incredible wife she had been, and how beautiful their life was, and he was taking her from the day they met every place they had ever visited and every place they ever went. And, uh, it was a conversation that I felt like I s- was intruding on, and at the same time, it was one of the most beautiful things I've ever experienced, to hear my father's love for my mom and to hear him share their journey. Um, and I had to call, I had to make funeral arrangements, I had to do all these things, and as we were whispering in, um, my mom's ear, knowing that she was in there somewhere, and we were told, "Just talk to her," I got this instinct that she was gonna fight. She was, she was not ready to leave.
[05:08] Speaker 1: She wanted to be with my dad, everything that he said, and, and that she was going to come back to us, and I, um, I held onto that belief and that thread. And we have been fighting for the past few years, and, and through this podcast, through this journey, I will go through the journey of both of my parents, and what I've gone through. He had cancer and broke his neck, she had a stroke, she had a feeding tube, but and all these things that she had, we had Parkinson's. There was so much that I will share with you on different aspects of care, and, and different aspects of rehab, and different aspects of everything that you would need to know for the safety, the health, and the wellness of your parents, as well as the journey for yourself. But I remember, I...... getting ready to go to the awards and having my parents beside me and, and going in the car, and thinking about this night and how different that night turned out.
[06:21] Speaker 1: And so, if you are out there and you were on vacation, you were doing something, and all of a sudden you got that call. Or you were with your parents and you watched the fall or you watched the collapse or you watched that happen and had that experience that, in a moment, your life was shifted forever. I can tell you, I understand. I understand, and I know what that's like. And the things that I can tell you, um, that I learned from that moment, other than how wonderful people are because people just stopped in their tracks to help and to assist and I mean, just absolutely amazing. But we have now had years, several years' worth of emergency room visits over and over and over, 30, 40, 50, whatever, uh, emergency room visits. But I can tell you that, um, always have their med list.
[07:26] Speaker 1: Always if, even if you think it's gonna be years down the line before there is a problem, if your parents are on any kind of medication, if they have any problems, if they have any heart conditions, if they have arthritis, if they smoke, if, w- whatever it is that you think, that they have Crohn's or, or something, uh, from the past or ... Make sure that in your phone or on your person or in your car that you always have a copy of their med list and that you always have a copy of their doctor's so they can say who is their gastroenterologist, who is their, you know (laughs) , cardiac doctor, who is, is, i- when they, when they ask an emergency or the doctor or the emergency staff need to know something quickly, that they can reach out to that hotline, that they can get records, that they can get the information they need. It may save your parent's life.
[08:33] Speaker 1: Just that little bit of time of knowing they're allergic to this medicine before they give that medicine in the hospital because that's the very best medicine. The next thing you know, they have a reaction to that medicine and you've made a condition worse. It's a simple thing. It's such a simple thing to do. Years in advance, just, if you see them taking pills, ask what they're for and ask if you can just, you know, get a current list of their medication and their dosa- and just put it in your phone because when that bell rings, and if you are there or if you are called or all of a sudden you are racing to the hospital and they say, "Do you know what meds they're on? Do you know if they have any allergies? Do you know who their doctor is?" You can answer those questions and that could be lifesaving. It could be absolutely lifesaving. And so I, I wanted to share that, and this weekend I am going back to the awards ceremony and it's bittersweet that I am winning an award this weekend.
[09:40] Speaker 1: And, um, I'm sure when I get there people are gonna say, "H- how's your mom?" And I'm so lucky that I'm going to be able to say, "Amazing." You know, i- it's a miracle and if you heard my intro show after all of these years of her not even being able to walk or to talk or to move or to feed herself or to read or to write or to sit up, to, to anything, she is now walking and talking and she can tell you she loves you and I just was able to move her back with my dad. Um, it, it's, it's a real miracle and I look forward to sharing the journey and all of the steps that I did, because I took charge. When they said, "No, she's done with physical therapy, she's incompetent, there's nothing we can do," I said, "No, she's still inside. You came at the wrong time of day. She has sundowners and she's not good at that time.
[10:46] Speaker 1: Come back tomorrow s- when she's strong, when she's up at a time, when she's alert and her eyes are open." And to know how to get the help that you need, because each and every step that I took and each and every fight that I fought to be able to get her back on track or to be able to get my dad where he is or to be able to get them back together, they're all things that you can do that you don't even realize that you have the power, that you have the control, that you have the ability to captain and to steer this ship and to share that happiness and that wellness and to gift them with everything that they deserve, and at the same time for your own joy to see that you know that they are, want to be with you and that they are trying and there are ways to be able to help steer that ship to wellness.
[11:39] Speaker 1: And if they are making other choices, there are ways to be able to do that where you know what the rights are and you know how to do it in a way that is so loving and so wonderful and so kind and so unifying for you, for your parents, for your family. And so, um, it was important for me to share with you that this happened at an important, um-... life event for me, that my life ha- has never been the same since then. But I can tell you I've never loved as deeply as I love now. I've never cared or even known the word care the way that I know the word care right now. And I feel like I can go to this awards ceremony this weekend and breathe. And I will always have the memories of my mom collapsing there. I will always have the memories of the ambulance and what, what that looked like, and that night. And I will always now have the memory of her smiling or telling me that she loves me now and, and knowing how far she goes and how far she has come.
[12:55] Speaker 1: And if I'm being awarded that I am a champion, she's the real champion. My mom is the real champion to me. I, I might hold a trophy or get an award or a medal, whatever they're going to give me, but I could tell you the champion is my mom. And as we journey on, on these podcasts, I will, um, teach you and tell you about care and finding the right caregivers. Because I can tell you that the right caregivers and how you vet the right caregivers and how you know that somebody is going to be amazing and really true, gosh, maybe nine care agencies before I finally understood what that right formula is for the care for your parents, and it's different for each person. It's different with their personality and their sense of humor and their needs and what their hobbies are and what they like and what their days are, and it's not just about somebody that is present.
[14:00] Speaker 1: It's about somebody that can spark the light inside of them, somebody that understands them, somebody that they're happy to see, somebody that connects with them in such a beautiful way that it is swaddling for them and it is freeing for them and it is launching for them, and to find those right caregivers. And do you need a caregiver while they're in the hospital? Do you need a caregiver through the night? What does that look like from full-time care to when you just have care or somebody taking them to a doctor's visit? How do you find agencies, private caregivers? How does that work with insurance? I am happy to walk you through all of that. But I can tell you that when my mom was in the hospital, she, uh, was, um, getting a feeding tube, and when she had the feeding tube, we learned that she was not able to move back with my dad. And it was shattering to know that, absolutely shattering.
[15:10] Speaker 1: And my father and I had to go look at facilities, and it just so happened that my dad had a new caregiver that showed up at the hospital that day, and she was the new caregiver for my father, and we left her there. We said, "Hi, new caregiver. We're so sorry, but we have to go look at facilities, and why don't you stay here and keep my mom company in the hospital? We'll be back soon." And this new caregiver was not the caregiver for my mom. She was hired for my dad, but I was taking him with me. And when we came back to the hospital, we were walking through the corridor, and we could see her down the hall. My mom's room was down the hall, and she was singing to my mom and reading to my mom and playing with my mom's hair. She wasn't even the caregiver for my mom. My mom had a full hospital staff, but she was so engaged with my mom, and my mom was smiling, and I was like, "She's the one. She's gonna be great. Look." Because it's a natural instinct in her.
[16:12] Speaker 1: It wasn't something that she was assigned to do or something s- she wasn't being paid to take care of my mom. It was who she was. And so when you're looking for people that have that sense of humor, that sing, that dance, whatever that is that your parents, and so we'll talk about that. And, but for today, I just want to welcome you on this journey. I look forward to your questions. I look forward to helping you. I look forward to guiding you. I look forward to being your light and your vision and your compass for your care. And everything that I have gone through, I am transparent.
[16:46] Speaker 1: I am happy to share every good, every bad, every vulnerable part, all of my tears, all of my victories, I'm happy to share with you, and I am going to bring on the very best experts in the world to answer your questions and to be able to guide you through this incredible journey called parent-child, and, um, as our parents are aging, the how we take care of them and how we take care of ourselves in the process and the great joy and the love that comes from that. And so I welcome you to The Caring Compass. It's fabulous having you with us, and we look forward to seeing you. Many blessings. Many joys. And if you are following me, you can check out Nicole Brannan Worldwide, and I will be posting pictures and videos from the Martial Arts Hall of Fame to share with you as well. Um, this weekend is a gift. May it be a gift for you as well. If you do have a question, please make sure that you can write to me at nicole@nicolebrannanworldwide.com, nicole@nicolebrannanworldwide.com.
[18:01] Speaker 1: And please feel free to follow us, to like, to subscribe, and make sure that you come back and ask those questions. And you can be with your parents. Your parents can be on this show. I know my father had so many questions.... with my mom. And, and my mom when my dad was going through cancer, she had so many questions and no one to talk to. So even though I've crafted this show for those of us whose parents are aging and going through all of this and how we help them navigate those waters, we could also help your parents as well. So if you would like them to join us on the show, feel free to bring them on. Feel free to ask the questions. Feel free to be on this journey because together, we step forward and every step that we take, we step into... We step into a future, we step into the unknown, but we step in with so much heart and so much faith and so much love. And I can tell you that there is a light. There is absolutely a light.
[19:12] Speaker 1: And together, it's like a lighthouse and it just shines everywhere. So thank you for being with me. This is, um, a big weekend for me, and I just want to give, uh, kudos to my mom who is my champion, as my dad is my champion. And no matter how many awards I win, the greatest, greatest, greatest thing that I've ever achieved is being able to stand by their side and to love them. And I hope the same for you, that you can say your greatest achievement is love, for that is the greatest gift of all. Care compass. We look forward to seeing you next week. You are the care compass pointing hearts back home. Turning quiet lonely rooms into places they belong. To the elderly, the wise, you give your steady light. Careful care, caring compassion 'til the dark turns into light.
