Tips & Bits Every Senior and Family Should Know A Conversation with Senior Living Expert Leslie Davis on “Solving Life’s Next Chapter”

Hosted by Lydia A. Wietsma, CPRES, SRES
Arizona’s #1 Probate & Senior Real Estate REALTOR®
Co-Owner of NextHome Power Realty
Author of Solving Life’s Next Chapter (Available on Amazon)
Serving Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Sun Lakes, Tempe, Phoenix & the East Valley

In this week’s episode of Solving Life’s Next Chapter, I sat down with senior-living expert Leslie Davis to share essential “tips and bits” that seniors, adult children, and caregivers in Arizona need to know.

From navigating independent living, assisted living, and memory care, to understanding financial planning, family expectations, and senior safety, this episode is packed with practical insights and real-world examples from families right here in the East Valley.

Whether you're caring for aging parents in Mesa, helping a loved one transition into senior housing in Chandler, or preparing for future care in Gilbert or Sun Lakes, these insights can help you avoid overwhelm, reduce stress, and make informed, compassionate decisions.

🔑 Key SEO Topics Covered in This Blog Post

(These are woven naturally throughout the article)

• Arizona senior living resources

• Assisted living tour tips

• Memory care questions to ask

• Dementia and Alzheimer’s care planning

• How to choose a senior living community in Arizona

• Understanding senior housing costs

• Caregiver support in Arizona

• Probate real estate help for seniors

• Downsizing and home selling for seniors

• East Valley senior resources

• Chandler, Mesa, Gilbert senior living tips

• Senior safety and medication management

• What families need to know about aging parents

• Adult children caregiver guidance

• Senior real estate transitions

• Tips from senior living professionals

Understanding Your Loved One’s Needs—Before a Crisis Happens

Leslie emphasizes a critical point that many families overlook: start planning before there’s a diagnosis or emergency.

In Arizona, especially around Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, and Sun Lakes, families often wait until hospitalizations or sudden cognitive decline forces immediate decisions. That’s when options shrink—and stress skyrockets.

Key steps seniors and families should take early:

• Discuss future care preferences

• Explore Arizona senior living communities ahead of time

• Learn about independent living vs. assisted living vs. memory care

• Understand long-term costs and budgeting

• Organize medical, legal, and probate-related documents

• Build a team: doctor, community advisor, senior real estate specialist

Early planning = more choices, less crisis.

Laundry, Clothing & “Lost Items” — What Families Should Really Focus On

Leslie shared a common concern from families touring memory care or assisted living:

“Why are Mom’s clothes mismatched?”
“Why are Dad’s shirts going missing?”

Her advice?

Shift your focus to what truly matters:

• Is your loved one clean?

• Are they safe?

• Are they smiling and engaged?

• Are they eating nutritious meals?

• Are health needs being met?

And yes—label everything.
This small step saves frustration, especially in memory care communities.

Finances: The #1 Factor When Choosing Senior Living

Many families across Maricopa County assume all communities are priced the same—but the truth is:

It’s NOT apples to apples.

Leslie broke down essential financial questions for Arizona families:

• What’s included in the monthly rate?

• Are care levels extra?

• What are medication management fees?

• Are there annual increases?

• What happens when care needs grow?

• Is there a community fee or assessment?

Understanding the cost structure helps families avoid unexpected charges later.

Food Quality, Activities & Community Culture Matter More Than the View

Whether you’re exploring senior living options in Chandler, Mesa, Gilbert, or Scottsdale, families often get caught up in the aesthetics—pretty buildings, upgraded rooms, or beautiful desert views.

Leslie urges families to look deeper:

Quality of life matters more than the décor.

Key indicators of a great community:

• Fresh, delicious food

• Engaging daily activities

• Smiles and interactions among residents

• Attentive staff

• Cleanliness & safety measures

• Consistent communication with families

A pretty building is not the same as quality care.

Always Ask About Incentives (Especially in Arizona)

Arizona’s senior living communities sometimes offer:

• Move-in incentives

• Waived community fees

• Room upgrades

• Seasonal discounts

But here’s the secret:
If you don’t ask, they usually won’t tell you.

Always ask about promotions, especially during:

• Holidays

• Year-end

• Seasonal occupancy shifts

• Summer (slower touring season in Arizona)

Medication Management: A Critical Safety Area

Medication safety is one of the most important services in assisted living and memory care.

Families should ask:

• Who administers medications?

• How is medication tracked?

• What happens with missed doses?

• Is there a full-time nurse?

• How often does the pharmacy deliver?

• How does the community update family members?

Proper medication management can significantly improve quality of life and prevent avoidable emergencies.

Stronger Arizona Legislation Protects Seniors

Arizona has continued to strengthen regulations around:

• Assisted living licensing

• Memory care training

• Staff-to-resident ratios

• Reporting requirements

• Oversight and compliance

Leslie explains how these improvements help families feel more confident choosing the right community.

In Memory Care, Focus on Quality of Care—Not Clothing or Décor

When transitioning a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia into memory care, expectations must shift.

Leslie encourages families to look at:

• Personalized care

• Engagement and activities

• Emotional support

• Safety

• Staff interaction

• Cleanliness

Clothing mismatches aren’t a crisis.
But safety, proper medication, and compassionate care absolutely are.

🎧 Listen to the Full Episode

Click play above to hear this powerful, insight-filled conversation.
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Need Help Navigating Senior Living, Probate, or Selling a Senior’s Home?

As Arizona’s leading Senior & Probate Real Estate Specialist, I help families from the very first conversation through the final transition.

Whether you're:

• Downsizing

• Seeking senior living guidance

• Navigating probate

• Selling an inherited home

• Planning ahead for aging parents

I’m here to guide you through Life’s Next Chapter with clarity and compassion.

Contact Lydia Wietsma

Lydia A. Wietsma, CPRES, SRES
Certified Probate & Senior Real Estate Specialist
Co-Owner, NextHome Power Realty
📞 602-688-4310
📘 Solving Life’s Next Chapter — available on Amazon
🌐 Serving Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Sun Lakes, Tempe, Phoenix & the East Valley