Begin The Journey With Confidence

Compassionate Care Starts Here

Learn what makes Open Arms Care a trusted partner for families seeking residential and therapeutic support for loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Choosing the right home for your loved one is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. At Open Arms Care, we walk beside you—offering guidance, compassion, and transparency every step of the way. Our admissions process is simple, family-centered, and designed to help you make the best choice with confidence.

What Is Open Arms Care?

 Open Arms Care (OAC) is a Tennessee-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing residential and therapeutic services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. For more than 35 years, OAC has worked in partnership with families and state agencies to deliver care that is both clinically sound and deeply compassionate.

Each OAC home is designed to feel like a family home, offering a balance of professional oversight and everyday comfort. With round-the-clock nursing access, individualized support plans, and a culture built on dignity, we provide more than a place to live—we create a home where people grow, belong, and thrive.

Who Qualifies for Admission

OAC provides services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who meet state and federal eligibility criteria to qualify for  Intermediate Care Facility (ICF/IID) services.

We welcome individuals who:

  • Have an intellectual or developmental disability diagnosed before age 18
  • Have an IQ at or below 70
  • Require 24-hour care, support, or supervision
  • Are eligible for TennCare (Medicaid) 
  • Benefit from structured routines and a family-centered residential environment

If you’re unsure whether your loved one qualifies, our admissions team can walk you through every step—from determining eligibility to completing state forms.

What It’s Like to Live at Open Arms Care

Life at OAC is guided by our belief that every individual deserves purpose, safety, and joy. Each day is built around routines that promote independence, learning, and community involvement.

Residents enjoy access to:

  • Personalized care plans tailored to medical, emotional, and social goals
  • 24/7 nursing and staff support
  • Opportunities to participate in community events, day programs, and recreational activities
  • Homes that promote both comfort and growth

OAC homes are warm, welcoming spaces where residents are encouraged to build friendships, develop life skills, and maintain meaningful connections with their families.

Finding the Right ICF Provider

When choosing an Intermediate Care Facility (ICF/IID) provider, families should look for a balance of clinical excellence and personal connection. The right provider will prioritize safety, transparency, and collaboration with families.

At OAC, our approach is simple: we care for your loved one as we would our own. Our homes combine medical oversight, daily structure, and a team committed to supporting each individual’s goals. We partner with families and MCO admissions personnel to ensure smooth admissions, coordinated care, and long-term stability.

Checklist for Families:

  • Is the environment safe, clean, and inviting?
  • Are nurses and caregivers available around the clock?
  • Are care plans individualized and reviewed regularly?
  • Does the provider communicate clearly with families?
  • Is there evidence of staff training?
Planning for Your Loved One’s Transition

Transitioning to a residential care setting can be emotional for both families and individuals. OAC is here to make that journey smoother. From the first conversation to move-in day, our admissions and nursing teams guide families through every detail.

We collaborate with schools, state agencies, and family members (conservators) to create a step-by-step plan that  promotes continuity, comfort, and confidence.

“Think of OAC like a bridge: a safe place where individuals can grow from dependence toward independence, surrounded by people who care as much as you.”

Ready To Take The First Step?

Our short questionnaire helps us learn more about your loved one’s needs, goals, and care preferences. It’s the easiest way to start the conversation and determine whether OAC is the right fit for your family.

What Families Can Expect

24/7 Nursing Access

Round-the-clock clinical oversight for every individual’s health and safety.

Rigorous Staff Training

Our team receives ongoing, specialized training in person-centered care.

Family-Like Environment

Each home is designed to feel like your family home—safe, welcoming, and filled with care.

Individualized Plans

Every resident’s care plan is tailored to their unique strengths, goals, and needs.

The OAC Difference

What Makes Open Arms Care Different

Choosing the right care provider is about more than services—it’s about trust. At OAC, we combine medical expertise, compassionate caregivers, and transparent communication to create a true partnership with families.

Our homes are guided by a family-centered philosophy that focuses on dignity, community connection, and everyday opportunities for growth.

Your Path to Care

We make getting started simple, supportive, and transparent. Whether you’re exploring options for the first time or transitioning from another provider, we walk with you every step of the way.

Step One
Step One

Talk With Us

Share your story, needs, and goals.

Step Two
Step Two

Tour & Plan

Visit a home, meet the team, and develop a personalized plan.

Step Three
Step Three

Welcome Home

Experience a guided, supported transition into OAC’s care

Start The Conversation