ABOUT US
Compassion meets Excellence in a beautiful setting called, “Home.”
Briar Rose is a recently remodeled 4400 square foot, 10 bedroom assisted living home nestled in the majestic Matanuska Susitna Valley. The facility boasts a large kitchen/dining area, recreation areas, 2 roll in showers, art by local artists adorning the walls, rooms with balconies, and a large backyard with raised flower beds. With it’s engaged and caring staff, Briar Rose is a place you can feel confident to have your loved one receive full time compassionate care. The building was completely remodeled within the last year, with a classic feel and calming decor. A great deal of attention was paid to creating a cozy, welcoming atmosphere for our residents. With spacious dining, living, and activity areas, along with large rooms, Briar Rose has plenty of space for our residents to make themselves at home. We have several rooms large enough to accommodate couples, and we can provide furnishings upon request. Of special note is our grand 12 foot dining table which can seat all of our residents simultaneously, providing a perfect setting for family style shared meals.
We take great care in admitting residents who complement our desire to create a supportive, engaging and cohesive community of residents and staff. In order to keep our residents engaged, we have an activities coordinator on our staff who stays busy planning a broad range of activities specifically designed for our residents. Also, with former guardians, care coordinators and dayhab specialists on staff giving their unique perspectives on the needs of our residents, Briar Rose is able to provide that “something extra” that makes all the difference for our residents. Additionally we have nurses on staff and on call and telehealth medical services available to further meet the needs of our residents. Finally, we have established relationships with local rehabilitation and dayhab providers that will help ensure our residents are able to reach their full potential for living independently.
Located in Wasilla, Briar Rose is near all the amenities of a city while still retaining its small town, rural charm. Also, with all the natural beauty of the Matanuska Susitna Valley right outside our door, there are plenty of opportunities for outings throughout the year. Anchorage is only a short drive away, providing additional opportunities for our residents, as well as multiple options for specialty or advanced medical care.
OUR TEAM
VARUN PATEL
Owner And Operator
Briar Rose Assisted Living Home is in the highly capable and caring hands of owner and operator, Varun Patel. Before Varun got into the caregiving business, he was caring for people. Raised by his mother and grandmother, who cared for elders in their home, Varun was influenced by compassion, kindness, and the ability to solve problems for people at a young age. Later, Varun joined the Army and became a Army Officer, while serving his country he also earned his master’s degree in business from the University of Southern California. In 2015, Varun was honored to be selected as the Vice President of Logistics for the 2015 Special Olympics World Games. And in 2016, Varun came to Alaska and fell in the love with the friendly people and the glorious landscape. He decided to stay in Alaska and become an investor. Varun leaned on his business sense and generations of caring that had gone before him. He envisioned an assisted living home that was excellent in beauty, accessibility, care, and a variety of services offered. He envisioned Briar Rose Assisted Living, LLC.
EDWARD VANCE
Owner and Operator
After a 24 year career in the Army, with 12 of those years in public health and medical services, Ed is looking forward to the next challenge in his life: providing quality, compassionate care for vulnerable populations. Ed and Varun served together in the Army and decided to go into business together in 2020 in order to help meet the increasing demand for assisted living services across Alaska, with a focus on providing excellent care in comfortable, homelike settings that residents are excited to live in and team members are proud to work in. He brings a great deal of leadership, management, logistical and operational experience to the team.
CLAUDIA CARDONA, LPN
Director
Compassion drives Claudia to do what she does every day – she helps people live their best life. In addition to being a nurse, Claudia is also highly skilled in every aspect of human resources and office administration. She brings organization to the organization. Claudia is involved with over-all planning and development, setting staff schedules, admissions, and meeting with families. She oversees the care of the home and sets the standard for excellence. She also has a heart as big as Alaska! Claudia’s biggest joy is seeing residents blossom in their care.
ELISA WINCHESTER, LPN
Administrator
Elisa has been a nurse for nearly 40 years! She brings a plethora of knowledge and know-how to the organization. Some might say that she IS the organization – with her humor, patience, heart, ability to take on any challenge, and dash of tenacity, she keeps Briar Rose on track and running smoothly. Elisa is the point of contact for licensing and day-to-day operations. From “A to Z, I handle everything.” She says, and she does. Elisa finds a lot of satisfaction in providing a variety of activities for residents to choose from – she believes life is treasured the most when enjoyed and lived to the fullest.
KRIS REISINGER
Marketing
Representing people and businesses, both through story-telling and graphic design is something that Kris has always enjoyed. A published author, Kris has been involved in writing, public speaking, promotions, and marketing for over 20 years.
How Do Home Healthcare & Home Care Work Together?
If you or your loved one is in need of caregiving services, we encourage you to reach out for a complimentary evaluation so we can customize an appropriate plan of care. Contact us for more information.
