Frequently Asked Questions

Via Elegante is perfectly suited to support individuals who need assistance with most daily activities. Our residents are typically those who have stopped driving and appreciate the availability of someone to assist with medications, and daily routines such as dressing, showering, meals, housekeeping, and laundry. 

With four Assisted Living and Memory Care Home Communities located in Southern Arizona, Via Elegante offers a comprehensive range of services appropriate for all budgets. Our pricing is all-inclusive meaning if the care needs of your loved ones grow, the price you pay does not increase as a result. Instead, prices vary according to room amenities such as size or access to courtyards. This means everyone is provided the same level of care no matter what room they choose.

Typically, our private rooms range in price from $6,000 to $10,000 per month, while our semi-private rooms range from $4,000 to $6,000 per month. We routinely work with Long-Term Care insurance providers and for those who qualify, we also accept ALTCS (Arizona Medicaid) at most of our communities. This means there are always options if you run out of money and do not want to move to a different community.

Please call us for specific information as pricing and availability varies for each of our communities.

At Via Elegante, we foster a unique approach to Memory Care and Assisted Living. Instead of confining memory care residents to separate “lock-down” facilities, we’ve designed our communities to securely house both assisted living and memory care residents together. We’ve seen firsthand the value of this setting in its ability to create a fully inclusive and dignified environment for all our residents. Please note, to ensure tranquility and harmony within our homes, we do not accommodate residents prone to violent or disruptive behaviors.

Maintaining independence and staying at home is a universal desire. However, managing the logistics of consistent at-home care can be a challenge. Moreover, isolation faced by homebound individuals can exacerbate problems. We recommend suggesting a 30-day trial period in assisted living, given that most Arizona Assisted Living facilities offer month-to-month leases. The best advice is to keep conversations focused on a short-term decision as opposed to a decision about life-long commitments. We generally tell people that the first 100 hours of the move are the hardest and then we work to complete the transition within the following 100 days. After about 100 days, you and your loved one should have a clear understanding of whether assisted living is the right choice for them.

Residents in our communities live in bedrooms, not apartments.  Our facilities are specifically designed as homes with both living rooms and dining rooms.  While residents are encouraged to spend time outside of their bedrooms, they have the freedom to be as social and active as they wish.  

With daily activities, social events, and all care needs met, our primary goal is to offer the stability needed to let both residents and their families become families again, without the distractions of needing to make sure all daily needs of their loved ones are met.  In doing this, we foster opportunities to relax, reminisce and make new friends with others who are going through similar life changes.  

Yes, all caregivers at Via Elegante are state-certified to ensure the highest standard of care. Each caregiver holds a valid Arizona Caregiver Certification, along with current CPR, First Aid, and Level One Fingerprint Clearance cards. These credentials are required for employment and are part of our commitment to quality care. To maintain consistency and foster strong relationships, we staff our homes with caregivers working 12.5-hour shifts. This approach minimizes personnel changes and allows residents to form meaningful connections with their caregivers, contributing to better clinical outcomes and a more personalized care experience.

Additionally, we offer competitive compensation, including shift differentials and signing bonuses, to attract and retain top talent in the industry. Our commitment to employing certified and dedicated caregivers ensures that residents receive compassionate, professional, and consistent care in a supportive environment.

At Via Elegante, we understand that pets are cherished family members and can provide emotional comfort and companionship. We welcome small pets in our private rooms, subject to size and behavior considerations, with an additional fee to cover feeding and cleanup. Please note that pets are not permitted in shared rooms.

Our pet-friendly policy allows residents to enjoy the presence of their beloved animals, enhancing their sense of home and well-being. We encourage prospective residents to discuss their specific pet arrangements with our team to ensure a smooth transition and a comfortable living environment for all.

At Via Elegante, we prioritize proactive and transparent communication to keep families connected with their loved ones’ care. Our approach includes:

• Weekly Email Updates: Caregivers prepare daily shift summaries detailing each resident’s activities, challenges, and milestones. These are compiled into a comprehensive weekly email, providing families with a clear picture of their loved one’s day-to-day experiences.
• Direct Communication with Healthcare Providers: Our clinical team maintains open lines with residents’ doctors, ensuring that any significant observations or changes in health are promptly communicated. This collaborative approach ensures that families are informed and involved in care decisions.

This commitment to consistent and open communication fosters trust and peace of mind for families, knowing they are always informed and engaged in their loved one’s care journey.

Absolutely! At Via Elegante, we believe that meaningful engagement is essential to the well-being of our residents. Our Life Enhancement Director coordinates a diverse array of activities designed to foster connection, stimulate the mind, and promote physical wellness. These activities are tailored to individual preferences and abilities, ensuring that every resident can participate and enjoy.

Sample Activities Include:

• Chair Yoga and Tai Chi
• Pet Therapy Sessions
• Arts and Crafts
• Music Performances by Local Artists
• Games and Bingo
• Reading Aloud and Storytelling
• Light Gardening

Monthly Birthday Celebrations These activities are conducted in our beautifully designed homes, which include cozy common areas, sunrooms, and outdoor patios, providing inviting spaces for socializing and recreation. Participation is always optional, but our residents often find joy and fulfillment in these shared experiences. Our commitment to a vibrant activity program helps create a sense of community and belonging, enhancing the quality of life for all our residents.

At Via Elegante, we prioritize creating a home-like environment tailored to the needs of our residents. Our communities are designed as single-story homes, each housing 8 to 22 residents, fostering a close-knit atmosphere. Given the nature of assisted living and memory care, we have found that personal kitchens are not necessary for our residents. Instead, we focus on providing comprehensive care within each resident’s private room and shared common areas.

Each private room is equipped with a private bathroom and is fully furnished at no additional charge, including flat-screen TVs and cable television. Residents are encouraged to enjoy meals in the communal dining areas or on their private patios, where they can socialize and engage with fellow residents. Our professional culinary team prepares nutritious meals daily, accommodating various dietary needs and preferences.

While personal kitchens are not available in individual rooms, our design ensures that all residents have access to comfortable living spaces and communal areas that promote social interaction and a sense of community. If you have further questions or would like to schedule a tour to see our facilities firsthand, please feel free to contact us.

Our award winning Executive Chef prepares fresh meals in our state of the art kitchen daily using only high-quality ingredients. These meals are served in the great room of each home, allowing residents to dine together in a communal, family-like atmosphere just a few steps away from their rooms.

Moreover, each home features a small kitchen stocked with a variety of both healthy snacks and ice cream. Caregivers assist residents with these snacks as needed. Because we have a dedicated kitchen team, our caregivers are also relieved from cooking duties. This allows them to devote more time and attention to the individual needs of our residents, creating a more personalized care experience.

Yes, Via Elegante is locally owned and operated by a dedicated father-and-son team deeply rooted in Southern Arizona. Andrew “Andy” Briefer serves as the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner, while his son, Zach Briefer, is the Chief Operations Officer. Both are Arizona Certified Assisted Living Managers, bringing over two decades of combined experience to their roles. They are actively involved in daily operations and are readily available to families via phone, email, or in person. Their hands-on leadership has been instrumental in expanding Via Elegante’s footprint across Southern Arizona.

The company currently operates four communities: two in Tucson (Foothills and Mountains) and two in Sierra Vista (Canyons and Highlands) Via Elegante’s locally rooted leadership ensures a high level of personalized care and consistent communication, reflecting their commitment to enhancing the lives of seniors in the communities they serve.