Solving Life's Next Chapter Podcast - Cutting Edge Information for Your Powerful Senior Years
Remember college shopping with your kids to find the best school for them?Or, the other milestone of getting married and you had to find the place for your wedding and all the accoutrements?Navigating the unknown is tricky, at first. So knowing the issues and milestones as you age and how to make good choices to address them for your aging parents or even for yourself is critical.Have you shared how you want you want your golden years to look with your family? Does your family know what you want to happen when you are no longer here? D...
SOLVING LIFE'S NEXT CHAPTER -When Disaster Strikes Your Home – Are You Prepared?
Part 1 | Solving Life's Next Chapter with Lydia Wietsma
What would you do if you came home from vacation and discovered your house flooded? Would you know who to call, what steps to take, or whether your homeowners insurance would cover the damage?
Most homeowners never expect to experience a restoration emergency. Unfortunately, water damage, fires, mold, and unexpected property disasters happen more often than you might think.
In this episode of Solving Life's Next Chapter, host Lydia Wietsma, Certified Senior and Probate REALTOR® and Co-Owner of NextHome Power Realty, w...
SOLVING LIFE'S NEXT CHAPTER - My parent passed away and left me a house. Now what?
My Parent Passed Away and Left Me a House in Arizona. Now What?
Losing a parent is never easy, and inheriting a home can bring unexpected responsibilities, difficult decisions, and plenty of questions.
In this episode of Solving Life's Next Chapter, host Lydia Wietsma, REALTOR® and Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist (CPRES), shares important information to help families navigate the process of inheriting real estate in Arizona.
In this episode, you will learn about:
Whether an inherited home needs to go through probate in Arizona.The differences between a...SOLVING LIFE'S NEXT CHAPTER - Fall Home Maintenance and Senior Safety — Part 2
In the second half of this episode of Solving Life’s Next Chapter, Lydia Wietsma and Raquel Uggiano focus on home safety for older adults, preventing falls, and protecting the long-term value of your home.
Lydia and Raquel discuss practical ways to help seniors remain safe and independent, including improving indoor and exterior lighting, securing handrails, clearing walkways, removing loose rugs and electrical cords, and adding nonslip surfaces in bathrooms. They also explain which home-maintenance projects seniors should leave to qualified professionals and how adult children can respectfully help aging parents complete a seasonal home-safety inspection.
...
SOLVING LIFE'S NEXT CHAPTER - Fall Prevention 1 Understanding the Risks
Fall Prevention: Understanding the Risks and Protecting Older Adults — Part 1
On this episode of Solving Life’s Next Chapter, host Lydia Wietsma welcomes Terhea, Director of Rehabilitation at Santé of Surprise, for an important conversation about preventing falls and helping older adults remain safe, confident, and independent.
Terhea introduces listeners to her role at Santé of Surprise, explains the services provided by its rehabilitation team, and shares what inspired her to dedicate her career to working with seniors.
Many people assume that falling is simply a normal part o...
SOLVING LIFE'S NEXT CHAPTER - Return Me Safe program - part 2
Part 2: When Every Minute Counts Planning Before a Vulnerable Loved One Goes Missing
In Part 2 of Solving Life’s Next Chapter, host Lydia Wietsma continues her important conversation with Nancy Martinez and Officer Nicole Upshaw from the Chandler Police Department about protecting vulnerable seniors and children who may wander or become lost.
Nancy explains how Chandler’s successful Return Me Safe program gives police officers immediate access to important information about participating residents. Families can provide a current photograph, physical description, communication needs, medical or cognitive conditions, and...
SOLVING LIFE'S NEXT CHAPTER -The hidden cost of waiting
The Hidden Costs of Waiting: Why Planning Ahead Gives Seniors More Choices
Solving Life's Next Chapter
Hosted by Lydia Wietsma
Special Guest: Leslie Davis, Senior Living Expert
Most families don't realize the true cost of waiting until a crisis happens.
On this powerful episode of Solving Life's Next Chapter, host Lydia Wietsma sits down with senior living expert Leslie Davis to discuss one of the biggest mistakes families make—waiting too long to have the conversation about fu...
SOLVING LIFE'S NEXT CHAPTER - Return Me Safe program - part 1
Compassionate Crisis Response: Chandler Police Behavioral Health Unit & Return Me Safe
On this episode of Solving Life’s Next Chapter, host Lydia Wietsma welcomes Officer Nicole Upshaw and Nancy Martinez from the Chandler Police Department for an important conversation about mental health, cognitive decline, public safety, and compassionate community support.
Officer Upshaw explains the role of Chandler’s Behavioral Health Unit, a specialized team that assists patrol officers with calls involving a possible mental health crisis. Unlike traditional police units, the Behavioral Health Unit does not focus on m...
SOLVING LIFE'S NEXT CHAPTER - Before You Sell That House... Listen to This
Before You Sell That House... Listen to This
One decision could mean the difference between leaving money on the table or maximizing your inheritance.
Why Working with a Certified Senior & Probate Real Estate Specialist Could Put More Money in Your Pocket
Hosted by Lydia Wietsma, CPRES, SRES®
Sundays at 3:00 PM | KKNT 960 AM The Patriot
Have you been approached by an investor offering to buy your home "as-is" for cash? It may sound like the easiest option—but is it the most profitable?
On this episode of...
SOLVING LIFE'S NEXT CHAPTER - All about dementia - part 2
Hosted by Lydia Wietsma, CPRES, SRES®
Guest: Leslie Davis, Copper Creek Inn – Koelsch Senior Living
One of the greatest challenges caregivers face isn't providing physical care—it's learning how to communicate with someone whose brain processes the world differently.
In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Lydia Wietsma and dementia expert Leslie Davis explore compassionate communication techniques that can reduce anxiety, preserve dignity, and strengthen relationships with loved ones living with dementia.
This episode answers some of the questions families struggle with most:
What should you do when a lov...SOLVING LIFE'S NEXT CHAPTER - All about dementia - part 1
Part 1: Recognizing the Signs Before a Crisis
Hosted by Lydia Wietsma, CPRES, SRES®
Guest: Leslie Davis, Copper Creek Inn – Koelsch Senior Living
Most families don't plan to make decisions about senior living during a crisis—but that's exactly when it happens.
On Part 1 of this special two-part series of Solving Life's Next Chapter, Lydia Wietsma sits down with senior living expert Leslie Davis to discuss why families often wait until an emergency forces difficult decisions and how early planning can dramatically improve outco...
SOLVING LIFE'S NEXT CHAPTER - Aging in place - Make your home safe, comfortable and affordable
Aging in Place in Arizona: How to Make Your Home Safer, Smarter, and More Comfortable
More Arizona seniors than ever are choosing to age in place, remaining in the homes they love while maintaining their independence. But is your home prepared for the future?
On this episode of Solving Life's Next Chapter, host Lydia Wietsma and co-host Raquel Uggiano discuss essential home modifications for seniors, including safety upgrades, accessibility improvements, smart home technology, and practical ways to create a safer living environment. Learn how simple changes such...
SOLVING LIFE'S NEXT CHAPTER - Understanding purchasing and inheriting a home with a reverse mortgage
Understanding Purchasing and Inheriting a Home with a Reverse Mortgage
Many seniors and their families have questions about reverse mortgages, but few understand all of the options and protections available. Join Lydia Wietsma and Raquel Uggiano of NextHome Power Realty as they discuss how a reverse mortgage can be used to purchase a home, helping qualified buyers age 62 and older preserve retirement savings while reducing monthly housing expenses.
In this episode, you'll learn how reverse mortgage purchases work, who qualifies, and why many retirees are using this strategy to downsize, relocate closer to family, or...
SOLVING LIFE'S NEXT CHAPTER - Spotlight On Arizona - with Mark Durkin
Delivering Solutions for Homes With Reverse Mortgages, Seniors, Military, & Probate. I am a Certified Probate, Reverse Mortgages, Senior, Military Residential Specialist, and handling an inherited property through probate. Working with more difficult cases is my specialty. As an agent and valley resident, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise about buying and selling Arizona real estate. You will benefit from my understanding of the area, and I will provide you with up-to-date information on the ever-changing real estate market... I will dedicate myself to listening to your real estate needs and exceeding your expectations. My Areas of Expertise: ✅ Pr...
SOLVING LIFE'S NEXT CHAPTER - Understanding Transitional Care for Seniors
What happens after a senior leaves the hospital? For many families, this is one of the most confusing—and most important—times in the healthcare journey. The decisions made during the first few days after discharge can have a lasting impact on a senior's recovery, independence, and quality of life.
On this episode of Solving Life's Next Chapter, host Lydia Wietsma, Certified Probate & Senior Real Estate Specialist, welcomes Kerri Cummiskey of Alumus Healthcare for an important conversation about Understanding Transitional Care and how families can better prepare for...
SOLVING LIFE'S NEXT CHAPTER -- Stop the Scammers - What every Senior & Family must know now - 1
Part 1: Protecting Seniors from Scams & Fraud
Guest: Jeff Jones, Chandler Police Department
This week on Solving Life’s Next Chapter, host Lydia Wietsma, Certified Senior & Probate Real Estate Specialist, sits down with Jeff Jones from the Chandler Police Department for an essential conversation about the rising threat of scams targeting seniors in Chandler and the East Valley.
In Part 1 of this two-part series, Jeff provides an inside look at the most common fraud schemes affecting older adults today — from phone scams and online impo...
SOLVING LIFE'S NEXT CHAPTER -Stop the Scammers - What every Senior & Family must know now - 2
🎙️ Part 2: Protecting Your Senior Loved Ones from Scams and Fraud Solving Life’s Next Chapter with Lydia Wietsma
Following the overwhelming response from last week’s episode, we continue our important discussion with the Chandler Police Department on how families can protect aging loved ones from scams — an issue that continues to grow across Arizona.
In Part 2 of this series, we explore the more advanced, technology-driven scams impacting seniors and dive deeper into prevention, awareness, and reporting.
💻 How Scammers Are Evolving in a Digital World
Scams are no longer limited to phone calls. J...
SOLVING LIFE'S NEXT CHAPTER: Hospice - Aleca
Are you wondering what hospice care really is—and when it’s the right time to consider it?
In this episode of Solving Life’s Next Chapter, host Lydia Wietsma, REALTOR® | Certified Probate & Senior Real Estate Specialist (CPRES, SRES, CDP), sits down with a compassionate expert from Aleca Home Health and Hospice (Alumus Network) to break down hospice care in simple, clear terms for families across Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, and the Phoenix East Valley.
👉 If you’re caring for a loved one, navigating serious illness, or planning ahe...
SOLVING LIFE'S NEXT CHAPTER - Summer Home Maintenance in Arizona
Arizona Summer Home Maintenance: Protecting Your Home, Your Investment, and Your Family
By Lydia Wietsma & Raquel Uggiano
Solving Life's Next Chapter
Arizona summers are no joke. Triple-digit temperatures, monsoon storms, dust, intense sunlight, and increased utility costs can put significant stress on your home. On a recent episode of Solving Life's Next Chapter, Raquel Uggiano and I discussed some of the most important summer maintenance tasks every Arizona homeowner should be aware of.
Whether you're planning to stay in your home for years to come or considering selling...
SOLVING LIFE'S NEXT CHAPTER: Fall Prevention Technology & How It’s Evolving
The Future of Aging: Why New Technology Like “Paul” Could Change Senior Care Forever Featuring Tawnya Christensen with Christian Care | Fellowship Square
America is entering one of the largest population shifts in history—and most families are not prepared for what’s coming.
Over the next five years, nearly 20 million Baby Boomers will enter the 80–85 age range, one of the fastest-growing age groups in the country. At the same time, the United States is rapidly moving toward a historic demographic milestone:
Within the next several years, America is projected to have ...
SOLVING LIFE'S NEXT CHAPTER: Why Connection Could Be the Most Important Health Decision You Make as You Age
Why Connection Could Be the Most Important Health Decision You Make as You Age
A Conversation with Tawnya Christensen of Fellowship Square
As we age, we tend to focus on the obvious aspects of health—doctor visits, medications, diet, and exercise. But what if one of the most powerful factors in determining longevity and quality of life isn’t found in a prescription bottle… but in our relationships?
On a recent episode of Solving Life’s Next Chapter, I sat down with Tawnya Christensen from Fellowship Square to talk about a topic th...
SOLVING LIFE'S NEXT CHAPTER: Impact of aging - part 2
What Happens Next: How Families Can Prepare for the Aging Surge
In Part 2 of this powerful conversation on Solving Life’s Next Chapter, Lydia Wietsma and Sheryl Keeme move beyond the statistics and focus on what families can—and should—be doing right now.
As the 80+ population continues to grow and the caregiver workforce struggles to keep up, families are facing increasing pressure to plan earlier, make informed decisions, and explore alternative support systems.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why traditional care systems (assisted living, nursing homes) may beco...SOLVING LIFE'S NEXT CHAPTER: The critical days after the hospital
The Critical Days After a Hospital Stay: What Families Need to Know Before Something Falls Through the Cracks with Lori Gudino, Executive Vice President of Operations for Sante, a division of Alumus
For many families, the hospital discharge feels like the finish line. A loved one survived surgery, illness, or a medical emergency, and everyone breathes a sigh of relief once they are finally sent home.
But according to Lori Gudino with Alumus, the reality is this:
The most dangerous part of recovery often begins after the patient leaves the...
SOLVING LIFE'S NEXT CHAPTER: Impact of aging - part 1
The Aging Wave Is Here: What Families Need to Understand Now
On this episode of Solving Life’s Next Chapter, host Lydia Wietsma, REALTOR® and Certified Probate & Senior Real Estate Specialist, sits down with senior advocate Sheryl Keeme to break down one of the most important demographic shifts happening today—America is aging faster than ever before.
By 2030, 1 in 5 Americans will be over 65, and within the next decade, older adults will outnumber children. But the real story isn’t just about aging—it’s about the rapid g...
What families don't expect when it's time to downsize
In this episode of Solving Life’s Next Chapter, host Lydia Wietsma with Raquel Uggiano co-host welcomes Tina Patterson and Chuck Wolf, owners of Caring Transitions, to discuss what families don’t expect when it’s time to downsize, relocate, or manage a loved one’s estate.
Tina and Chuck bring years of hands-on experience helping seniors and families through overwhelming transitions—often during emotional or unexpected life events. They share practical guidance, compassionate insight, and real-life examples of how Caring Transitions steps in when families feel stuck or don’t know...
SOLVING LIFE'S NEXT CHAPTER-Book
In this episode of Solving Life’s Next Chapter, we highlight an important resource for families navigating life’s biggest transitions — the book Solving Life’s Next Chapter by Lydia Wietsma.
Written by Lydia Wietsma, Certified Probate and Senior Real Estate Specialist and host of this show, the book helps families understand what happens when a loved one passes away, when a home is involved in probate, or when unexpected life changes require difficult decisions.
Inside the book, Lydia breaks down complex topics like probate, trusts, beneficiary deeds, a...
Part 2: Protecting Your Senior Loved Ones from Scams and Fraud
🎙️ Part 2: Protecting Your Senior Loved Ones from Scams and Fraud Solving Life’s Next Chapter with Lydia Wietsma
Following the overwhelming response from last week’s episode, we continue our important discussion with the Chandler Police Department on how families can protect aging loved ones from scams — an issue that continues to grow across Arizona.
In Part 2 of this series, we explore the more advanced, technology-driven scams impacting seniors and dive deeper into prevention, awareness, and reporting.
💻 How Scammers Are Evolving in a Digital World
Scams are no l...
Part 1: Protecting Seniors from Scams & Fraud
Part 1: Protecting Seniors from Scams & Fraud
Guest: Jeff Jones, Chandler Police Department
This week on Solving Life’s Next Chapter, host Lydia Wietsma, Certified Senior & Probate Real Estate Specialist, sits down with Jeff Jones from the Chandler Police Department for an essential conversation about the rising threat of scams targeting seniors in Chandler and the East Valley.
In Part 1 of this two-part series, Jeff provides an inside look at the most common fraud schemes affecting older adults today — from phone scams and online impo...
Downsizing with Dignity
🎙️ Downsizing with Dignity: How to Make Life’s Next Chapter Easier, Lighter & More Empowering
Hosted by: Lydia Wietsma, Certified Probate & Senior Real Estate Specialist (CPRES, SRES)
Co-Host: Raquel Uggiano, Designated Broker & Co-Owner, NextHome Power Realty
Radio Show: Solving Life’s Next Chapter — KKNT 960 AM The Patriot
Episode Theme: Downsizing with Dignity
When it comes to major life transitions, few decisions carry as much emotion, history, and impact as downsizing. In this week’s episode of Solving Life’s Next Chapter, host Lydia W...
Tips & Bits Every Senior and Family Should Know
Senior Living Tips Every Arizona Family Needs to Know (Before a Crisis Happens)
What if one conversation today could save your family stress, confusion—and even costly mistakes later?
In this episode of Solving Life’s Next Chapter, Lydia Wietsma—Certified Probate & Senior Real Estate Specialist and REALTOR® with NextHome Power Realty—sits down with senior living expert Leslie Davis to uncover the real-life decisions families across Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Sun Lakes, Tempe, and the Phoenix East Valley are facing right now.
If you’re caring for aging p...
“Title Talk with Lynn Martinez: What Every Seller Needs to Know Before Closing” Part 2
Part 2 of "Solving Life's Next Chapter"
Guest: Lynn Martinez, Escrow & Title Officer at American Title Service Agency
Host: Lydia Wietsma
Following the insightful first part of our conversation with Lynn Martinez, this second installment dives deeper into the practical issues that arise in title and escrow work—especially when dealing with senior transitions, estate sales, and inherited property. Lynn and Lydia explore the real-world complications that can derail a smooth transaction, plus actionable advice for families, real-estate professionals and estate executors.
What’s Covered in This Episode
Why Title & Escrow Matter Part 1
Lynn opened by explaining that while many people focus on the house itself, they often overlook what happens behind the scenes in the title and escrow process. The “fine print” of transferring ownership, safeguarding against unexpected liens or claims, and making sure all parties are protected can make a big difference — especially when dealing with senior clients, inherited properties, or changing living arrangements.
Some of the specific ways Lynn described this include:
Ensuring the chain of title is clear and free of surprises (e.g., unknown heirs, unresolved judgments, tax liens).Confirming that the property being sold o...“Memory Care 101”
Memory Care 101 with Guest Leslie and Shea:
Hosted by Lydia Wietsma, Certified Probate & Senior Real Estate Specialist
KKNT 960 AM “The Patriot” | Sundays, 3:00 – 3:30 PM
When a loved one begins showing signs of memory loss, families are often left wondering where to turn. On this week’s episode of Solving Life’s Next Chapter, host Lydia Wietsma sits down with Leslie and Shae, both ladies are experienced senior living professionals who specializes in memory care, to unpack what families really need to know when facing this emotional and complex journey.
💡 Und...
“Senior Living 101”"
🎙️ Solving Life’s Next Chapter: Senior Living 101 with Shea and Leslie, experts in the Senior industry as between them, they have 55+ years of experience in the senior industry
When it comes to helping a loved one transition into senior living, most families have the same reaction — where do we even begin?
On this week’s episode of Solving Life’s Next Chapter, host Lydia Wietsma, Certified Probate & Senior REALTOR® and owner of NextHome Power Realty, sat down with Shae Rambow and Leslie A. Davis, trusted senior-living professionals, to unpack the...
The power of having a power of attorney
In this episode of Solving Life’s Next Chapter, Lydia Wietsma, Certified Probate & Senior Real Estate Specialist, dives into one of the most overlooked—but absolutely essential—legal tools: the Powers of Attorney (POA).
Whether you're helping an aging parent, planning your own future, or guiding a family through unexpected life changes, understanding POAs can save you time, stress, and thousands of dollars. Lydia shares real-life stories from families caught off-guard without one, explains the different types of POAs, and lays out exactly why having one in place is crucial long before a crisis hits.
✅...
Is a Reverse Mortgage Right for You?
On Solving Life’s Next Chapter, host Lydia Wietsma, Certified Probate & Senior Real Estate Specialist, sits down with Cheryl Scheidel, reverse-mortgage expert, to unpack the big question: “Is a Reverse Mortgage Right for You?”
They cut through the noise—what a reverse mortgage really is, who it helps, and the myths that scare families away. Cheryl shares real stories of homeowners easing financial stress, aging in place, and gaining peace of mind in retirement.
You’ll learn:
How reverse mortgages work—and when they make sensePractical pros & cons...S3:E3 “Avoiding Probate: Choosing Between a Beneficiary Deed and a Trust”
On this episode of Solving Life’s Next Chapter, host Lydia Wietsma, Certified Probate & Senior REALTOR®, breaks down two powerful estate planning tools: beneficiary deeds and trusts.
We’ll discuss the key differences between the two, including how a beneficiary deed allows property to pass directly to heirs without probate, while a trust can manage and protect multiple types of assets during your lifetime and after.
To Contact Lydia Wietsma, Co-Owner of NextHome Power Realty
OR DONATE to Neighbors Who Care
S3:E2 September is Fall Prevention Awareness Month
September is Fall Prevention Awareness Month, and it's timely that our "Solving Life’s Next Chapter" radio show is covering Electronic Caregiver and its Addison Care virtual caregiving solution.
What is Electronic Caregiver?
Electronic Caregiver, Inc. (ECG) is a health-tech company specializing in virtual caregiving solutions. Their flagship product, Addison Care, is an AI-powered, 3D animated, avatar-based virtual caregiver designed to bring continuous support into the home.
What is Addison Care?
Addison Care is a comprehensive virtual caregiving system th...
S3:E1 Protecting Homes, Legacies, and Loved Ones Episode
In the very first episode of Solving Life’s Next Chapter, we dive into real-life challenges families face when navigating probate, property, and senior care issues.
We share the story of a client whose mother faced a judgment that could have wiped out the profits from her home—and how the Homestead Act provided vital protection. We also discuss the importance of recording beneficiary deeds before a loved one passes away to ensure property transfers smoothly and avoids costly complications.
Finally, we address a topic many families struggle with but few talk about ho...
S2: E10 Solving Life's Next Chapter - Jodi Sornsin - Search for purpose brought her to us, relationships keeps her coming back.
S2: E10 Solving Life's Next Chapter - Jodi Sornsin - When purpose drives you to begin volunteering and the relationships keep you coming back.
Description
Lydia Wietsma and Sheryl Keeme
Solving Life’s Next Chapter with Neighbors Who Care volunteer Jodi Sornsin
Jodi has helped us as a dinner driver for a few years and recently, joined the board. She is an avid tennis and pickle ball player and also enjoys event planning and raising money. She grew more involved with NWC after assisting with a community fundraiser to...
S2: E9 Solving Life's Next Chapter - "Volunteer and meet interesting people!" with Charlotte Hughes
Lydia Wietsma and Sheryl Keeme
Season: 2
Episode: 9
S2: E9 Solving Life's Next Chapter - Charlotte Hughes, Neighbors Who Care volunteer
Description
Lydia Wietsma and Sheryl Keeme
Solving Life’s Next Chapter with Neighbors Who Care volunteer Charlotte Hughes
Charlotte spent a career in government with her husband. After retirement, they lived in Florida for 22 years and then moved here to the Phoenix area three years ago to be near their sons who lived here.
Her Mom had Alzheimer's and lived in...
