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 making arrests. Its goal is to de-escalate difficult situations, build trust, connect residents with appropriate treatment and resources, reduce repeat 911 calls, and help keep people experiencing mental health challenges out of the criminal justice system.

The conversation also explores the extensive crisis-intervention, de-escalation, and negotiation training these officers receive. This specialized training gives officers the skills—and the time—to establish rapport with people and families during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.

Officer Upshaw shares examples of calls involving older adults who may be experiencing dementia or another form of cognitive decline. A report that initially sounds like a burglary or kidnapping may actually involve an older adult who is confused, disoriented, seeing people who are not present, or attempting to leave home without understanding the danger. These situations require patience, careful communication, investigation, and access to supportive resources.

Lydia and her guests also discuss the importance of families monitoring changes in a loved one’s memory, judgment, and behavior. Proactive planning—including updated powers of attorney, appropriate caregiving support, and, when necessary, guardianship—can help families protect a vulnerable loved one before a crisis occurs.

The episode also highlights the Chandler Police Department’s Return Me Safe program, which is designed to help officers identify and safely assist vulnerable individuals who may wander, become lost, have difficulty communicating, or experience confusion because of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, autism, or another cognitive or developmental condition. By providing helpful information before an emergency occurs, families and caregivers can give responding officers a better opportunity to understand the person’s needs and return them home safely.

This powerful episode reminds families that early planning, community resources, and compassionate crisis intervention can make a meaningful difference. If you care for an aging parent, a person living with dementia, or someone experiencing mental health challenges, this is a conversation you will not want to miss.

Host: Lydia Wietsma, CPRES®, SRES®
Owner | NextHome Power Realty
Author of Solving Life's Next Chapter

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: ✅ Probate and Inherited Property Sales ✅ Reverse Mortgage Real Estate Solutions ✅ Senior Downsizing and Relocation Services ✅ Veteran and Military Family Relocations Helping with solutions for your 

Links

Probate is DifficultProbate Website 

Radio Show 960 The Patriot 

NextHome Power RealtyLydia's Real Estate Website 

BookLydia's Book On Amazon 

Facebook & Reviewsfacebook.com/ProbateRealEstateSpecialist

Helping families navigate senior transitions, probate real estate, inherited homes, and life's next chapter with compassion, education, and expert guidance.


Each office is independently owned and operated.

Compassionate Crisis Response: Chandler Police Behavioral Health Unit &amp; Return Me Safe
On this episode of Solving Life&rsquo;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&rsquo;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 making arrests. Its goal is to de-escalate difficult situations, build trust, connect residents with appropriate treatment and resources, reduce repeat 911 calls, and help keep people experiencing mental health challenges out of the criminal justice system.
The conversation also explores the extensive crisis-intervention, de-escalation, and negotiation training these officers receive. This specialized training gives officers the skills&mdash;and the time&mdash;to establish rapport with people and families during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.
Officer Upshaw shares examples of calls involving older adults who may be experiencing dementia or another form of cognitive decline. A report that initially sounds like a burglary or kidnapping may actually involve an older adult who is confused, disoriented, seeing people who are not present, or attempting to leave home without understanding the danger. These situations require patience, careful communication, investigation, and access to supportive resources.
Lydia and her guests also discuss the importance of families monitoring changes in a loved one&rsquo;s memory, judgment, and behavior. Proactive planning&mdash;including updated powers of attorney, appropriate caregiving support, and, when necessary, guardianship&mdash;can help families protect a vulnerable loved one before a crisis occurs.
The episode also highlights the Chandler Police Department&rsquo;s Return Me Safe program, which is designed to help officers identify and safely assist vulnerable individuals who may wander, become lost, have difficulty communicating, or experience confusion because of dementia, Alzheimer&rsquo;s disease, autism, or another cognitive or developmental condition. By providing helpful information before an emergency occurs, families and caregivers can give responding officers a better opportunity to understand the person&rsquo;s needs and return them home safely.
This powerful episode reminds families that early planning, community resources, and compassionate crisis intervention can make a meaningful difference. If you care for an aging parent, a person living with dementia, or someone experiencing mental health challenges, this is a conversation you will not want to miss.
Host: Lydia Wietsma, CPRES&reg;, SRES&reg; Owner | NextHome Power Realty Author of Solving Life's Next Chapter
Delivering Solutions for Homes With Reverse Mortgages, Seniors, Military, &amp; 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: ✅ Probate and Inherited Property Sales ✅ Reverse Mortgage Real Estate Solutions ✅ Senior Downsizing and Relocation Services ✅ Veteran and Military Family Relocations Helping with solutions for your&nbsp;
Links
Probate is Difficult<a href="https://probaterealtyhelp.com/">Probate Website </a>
Radio Show&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=channel_description&amp;redir_token=QUM4Zm9rVDlVVmMyVFEyeGFyNnJqcVQ3dHJ0TXxBR3JiS2FrVGtlTk1oS2xzOS1iRjNGbUd0SXF0R1J2eF9lY1E2b0F3dF9sOTE5TTZKMTdQS1F2dG9zc2dOMngyWEM4LWxKRmZxcDNnTTBwbFZLS2ZZTmU1V21rZk95QnAwOE93&amp;q=https%3A%2F%2F960thepatriot.com%2Fradioshow%2Fsolving-lifes-next-chapter">960 The Patriot </a>
NextHome Power Realty<a href="https://lydiawietsma.nexthomepowerrealty.com/">Lydia's Real Estate Website </a>
Book<a href="https://a.co/d/0c3GFnAH">Lydia's Book On Amazon </a>
Facebook &amp; Reviews<a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=channel_description&amp;redir_token=QUM4Zm9rUTFWRnV2YVh1UTRjMjczZXFWbVZFT3xBR3JiS2FuNzFtU0dzOUpMQ1VvVS04Qk42S045NG5MQ0VFNVg2ZjJuYlNqa05oOElpTTBieFlpT1lVNm5fM1hzam5QTmY2a1RGUUJ0cDBjMGlTWnNUR2c5VDFmX0Q4X00yNGFB&amp;q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FProbateRealEstateSpecialist">facebook.com/ProbateRealEstateSpecialist</a>
Helping families navigate senior transitions, probate real estate, inherited homes, and life's next chapter with compassion, education, and expert guidance.
 Each office is independently owned and operated.

Solving Life's Next Chapter is a trusted Arizona radio show hosted by Lydia Wietsma, Certified Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES®), Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist (CPRES), author, and co-owner of NextHome Power Realty. Airing every Sunday at 3:00 PM on KKNT 960 AM The Patriot, the show helps seniors, caregivers, adult children, executors, and families confidently navigate the many decisions that come with aging, inheritance, and major life transitions.

Each week, Lydia interviews leading professionals in elder law, estate planning, probate, senior living, memory care, healthcare, reverse mortgages, financial planning, home safety, veterans' resources, and fraud prevention. Listeners receive practical advice, expert insights, and real-life solutions to help avoid costly mistakes while planning for the future.

Whether you're planning ahead, caring for aging parents, selling an inherited home, navigating probate, exploring assisted living or memory care, or simply preparing for retirement,Solving Life's Next Chapterprovides trusted education designed specifically for families throughout Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, Sun Lakes, Apache Junction, Goodyear, Phoenix, and communities across Arizona.

Popular topics include:
Probate and inherited property
Downsizing and senior moves
Dementia and Alzheimer's education
Senior living and memory care
Estate planning and beneficiary deeds
Powers of Attorney and guardianships
Reverse mortgages explained
Senior scams and fraud prevention
Caregiver support and resources
Selling a home for maximum value—not just to investors
Aging in place vs. moving to a senior community
Healthcare transitions and long-term care planning

If you're searching for answers about Arizona probate, selling an inherited home, senior housing options, caregiving resources, or real estate for seniors, this show delivers reliable guidance from professionals who understand the challenges families face every day.

Host: Lydia Wietsma, CPRES®, SRES® - 602.688.4310
Author:Solving Life's Next Chapter (Available on Amazon)
Website: SolvingLifesNextChapter.com
Brokerage: NextHome Power Realty
Listen: Sundays at 3:00 PM on KKNT 960 AM The Patriot

Website Probate Website with helpful tips 

Buy my book Amazon Link to my Book 

Solving Life's Next Chapter is more than a real estate radio show—it's your trusted resource for making informed decisions, protecting your family's future, and moving confidently into life's next chapter.

Solving Life's Next Chapter is a trusted Arizona radio show hosted by Lydia Wietsma, Certified Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES&reg;), Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist (CPRES), author, and co-owner of NextHome Power Realty. Airing every Sunday at 3:00 PM on KKNT 960 AM The Patriot, the show helps seniors, caregivers, adult children, executors, and families confidently navigate the many decisions that come with aging, inheritance, and major life transitions.
Each week, Lydia interviews leading professionals in elder law, estate planning, probate, senior living, memory care, healthcare, reverse mortgages, financial planning, home safety, veterans' resources, and fraud prevention. Listeners receive practical advice, expert insights, and real-life solutions to help avoid costly mistakes while planning for the future.
Whether you're planning ahead, caring for aging parents, selling an inherited home, navigating probate, exploring assisted living or memory care, or simply preparing for retirement,<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=%231+Probate+and+Reverse+Mortgage+REALTOR%C2%AE,+Lydia+A+Wietsma+PLLC&amp;stick=H4sIAAAAAAAA_-NgU1I1qLAwN0pKNDUzTTFLSzY3NrO0MqhIMrI0TjEH4lQjI2NjY4tFrPbKhgoBRflJiSWpCol5KQpBqWWpRcWpCr75RSXpiempCkGujj4h_kGH1uko-FSmZCYqOCqEZ6aWFOcmKgT4-DgDAP0-WdVrAAAA&amp;hl=en&amp;mat=CapEu1Z3X6NyElcBa0lj_wawNEGq7h8WwLL1MGiIoGLf3dUFGKzDjW_0gfiNsMZNKf-BWa44M2Ly7M4D8czhbGzm8447abuqJoKu8iO_HOfsR8PEyh44q9BvaV1lZZ7b5-0&amp;authuser=0"> Solving Life's Next Chapter </a>provides trusted education designed specifically for families throughout Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, Sun Lakes, Apache Junction, Goodyear, Phoenix, and communities across Arizona.
Popular topics include:
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>Probate and inherited property</li>
<li>Downsizing and senior moves</li>
<li>Dementia and Alzheimer's education</li>
<li>Senior living and memory care</li>
<li>Estate planning and beneficiary deeds</li>
<li>Powers of Attorney and guardianships</li>
<li>Reverse mortgages explained</li>
<li>Senior scams and fraud prevention</li>
<li>Caregiver support and resources</li>
<li>Selling a home for maximum value&mdash;not just to investors</li>
<li>Aging in place vs. moving to a senior community</li>
<li>Healthcare transitions and long-term care planning</li>
</ul>
If you're searching for answers about Arizona probate, selling an inherited home, senior housing options, caregiving resources, or real estate for seniors, this show delivers reliable guidance from professionals who understand the challenges families face every day.
Host: Lydia Wietsma, CPRES&reg;, SRES&reg; - 602.688.4310 Author: Solving Life's Next Chapter (Available on Amazon) Website: SolvingLifesNextChapter.com Brokerage: NextHome Power Realty Listen: Sundays at 3:00 PM on KKNT 960 AM The Patriot
Website <a href="https://probaterealtyhelp.com/">Probate Website with helpful tips </a>
Buy my book <a href="https://a.co/d/04azAEUB">Amazon Link to my Book </a>
Solving Life's Next Chapter is more than a real estate radio show&mdash;it's your trusted resource for making informed decisions, protecting your family's future, and moving confidently into life's next chapter.

Solving Life's Next Chapter

As a real estate probate specialist helping people solve their loved one’s final challenges, the critical (and often hidden or misunderstood) details of having not only one’s life in order, but one’s documents safely up to date is vitally important.
Many people fail to prepare correctly for their end of life and those who are left managing everything are often in the dark. Lydia wrote Solving Life’s Next Chapter to offer basic guidance to the average person who may be managing a parent’s property after death, or another loved one.

As a real estate probate specialist helping people solve their loved one&rsquo;s final challenges, the critical (and often hidden or misunderstood) details of having not only one&rsquo;s life in order, but one&rsquo;s documents safely up to date is vitally important. Many people fail to prepare correctly for their end of life and those who are left managing everything are often in the dark. Lydia wrote&nbsp;Solving Life&rsquo;s Next Chapter&nbsp;to offer basic guidance to the average person who may be managing a parent&rsquo;s property after death, or another loved one.