WE HAVE A HOME NEAR YOU!
A LIFETIME OF CARING - ADMISSIONS
Open Arms Care is an Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) provider licensed in the in the state of Tennessee, which receives funding through TennCare. We serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who require long term service supports (LTSS) in a residential setting where it would most benefit their personal development or where they can no longer be safely or financially supported in their family homes. We serve clients diagnosed with an Intellectual Disability, Downs Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, spina bifida, etc. There is no cost to admit someone to Open Arms Care, however they must meet the criteria to be enrolled in the state’s Medicaid program.
The eligibility criteria for obtaining ICF services includes:
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Initial diagnosis of an intellectual disability before the age of eighteen (18)
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An IQ of 70 or less, as determined by a recent standardized intelligence exam (we can help with this)
Placement is determined on a case by case basis to best match the incoming client with the other clients in the home. We consider age, individual supports, social skills, medical needs, etc. in locating the best fit.
MAKING A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE
We celebrate and honor the dignity of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. For more than twenty-five years Open Arms Care has provided the individuals in our care with opportunities to develop to the maximum of their ability, to live their best life now.
Services
Open Arms Care
Alternative Program
Residential 24 hour per day, supported by awake staff
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All of our homes meet strict ICF standards of TN Department of Health
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All Clients are served based upon an Individual Service Plan (ISP)
(based on assessments by professionals with parent/conservator participation)
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Nursing service assigned to each home, inc. physical health oversight
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Medication is administered by licensed nurses, not lay people
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Client case management is provided in house, by degreed professionals
(not contracted out)
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Clients have Day Program Services available
(5 days per week)
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Handicap accessible Transportation provided by OAC owned vehicles
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Family activities and meetings
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Vocational services
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WOULD YOU LIKE
TO LEARN MORE?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Who is Open Arms Care Corporation?Open Arms Care is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization that provides long term community organized residential support for adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the State of Tennessee. We have been in operation since 1990.
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What does Open Arms Care do?Open Arms Care supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a family atmosphere. We offer 24 hour residential care designed to promote the specific needs of each individual client to lead their best life now. Clients reside in a therapeutic home that promotes individual growth and development, as well as offering participation in Day Programs that include art, music, games, volunteer or employment opportunities. Other services include medical/nursing services, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and more. Clients can actively participate in the community in which they live.
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How many people do you serve?We currently serve approximately 300 clients and families in Tennessee. Our 40+ homes are located in community settings in and around the major cities of Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis, Chattanooga and Greeneville, Tennessee.
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Is there a financial obligation by family members to place someone with Open Arms Care?There is no financial obligation on the part of the family. The individual will be enrolled in Tenncare and the payments from the state in addition to a portion of their social security check is all that is required. Talk to one of our admissions representatives if you would like to learn more.
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Where do clients live?Our clients live in residential homes designed to meet the special needs of the population we serve. All homes meet the stringent TN Department of Health requirements for Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF).
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Is Open Arms Care considered a nursing home or assisted living?We are not a nursing home or assisted living. We perform services like a nursing home such as Nursing, Physical Therapy, Nutrition, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, room and meals, transportation, etc. We also have Day Services Programs, go on outings, some of our clients even have jobs with the support of a Job coach, others participate in community volunteering such as meals on wheels. A key difference is our individualized service plans include something else, which is referred to as active treatment. Our goal is not just rehabilitative but rather to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to reach their maximum potential and lead dignified and meaningful lives. Everyone is different and has different needs, we seek to address them.
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How is Open Arms Care funded?We are primarily funded by the State of Tennessee, Tenncare program. Additionally, we receive donations for programs and services, which are not covered by those funds, such as special vacations or outings, eyeglasses, dentures, burial expenses.
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Once a client becomes a resident, how long can he/she stay at Open Arms Care?"Clients may stay at Open Arms Care as long as they are in need of our services and are eligible for Tenncare. A vast majority have been with us for 20 – 30 years. As of this writing our youngest client was under ten and oldest was over ninety.
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How can I find out about employment opportunities at Open Arms Care?At Open Arms Care, employees are key to the success of our clients. If you have a caring heart and a desire to serve others, please contact the OAC office nearest you or look in the Career section of this website.