For our latest fee structure booklet, click HERE (PDF).

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get placed on the waiting list for admission?

Please feel free to contact the Marketing Director for admission to Ave Maria.  When you call give the Director your name, address, phone number and the persons name you want to place on the list.  At that time, the person is listed and remains on the list for admission until it is removed by your notification.

Where can I find out about levels of care which are provided?

By calling the Marketing Director and setting an appointment, she can provide information in regards to the levels of care which are available at Ave Maria.

Why doesn't the process go faster?

The process of admission is very important.  To ensure as smooth an admission as possible, the staff at Ave Maria want to avail themselves to all the pertinent information so our staff can better meet the needs of the potential resident.

Who is responsible for admission to Ave Maria?

The care plan team is responsible for admission to Ave Maria.  The team consists of the physician, nurse, social worker, and admission coordinator.

What is the information which needs to be provided to Ave Maria?

Ave Maria would like to have a history and physical, a current TB skin test, current medications, and current physician orders before a resident is admitted.

When is the best time to contact someone for information?

We invite you to contact us at anytime.  However, for best results, contacting us between the hours of 8am - 5pm will give our staff the best opportunity to serve you.

Ave Maria History

For over fifty years, Ave Maria, a non-profit agency, has been providing for the spiritual and physical needs of active seniors as well as the frail and elderly in a Christ-centered environment (mission). In 1951, the Ave Maria Guild purchased property in a residential neighborhood in Bartlett, TN to open a home that would provide long-term care for men and women of all faiths and economic backgrounds. Ave Maria Home opened in 1956 with 35 residents.

In 1961, Ave Maria Home transitioned from a care home to a licensed nursing facility. A new wing opened in 1972, and two additional nursing beds were added in 1996, increasing nursing home capacity to its current 75 residents. 

Current programs include an intermediate care facility with 24 hour nursing care, Assisted Living with a specialized dementia unit (St. Luke’s Cottages), an Adult Day Program, and HomeCare Services. The Adult Day Program and HomeCare Services serve a growing number of elders who wish to remain in their homes, but who need some assistance with daily living skills. Admission to the nursing home, assisted living apartments, and St. Luke’s Cottage is based on a waiting list and medical necessity.  Current demographics of our elders include a variety of economic backgrounds (private pay and insurance) and faiths—55% Protestant, 44% Catholic, and 1% Jewish. 

This summer Ave Maria will break ground to build four 7,500 square foot Green House homes which will replace its 50-year-old nursing home. Each home will provide private bedrooms and baths for ten residents, a common hearth area, kitchen, and dining room, screened porch, as well as a landscaped garden and patio.  Residents will live in community as a family sharing meals, socializing, and participating in activities. 

Like many non profit agencies, Ave Maria must raise annual and capital funds to continue providing quality, long-term care for the elderly in our community. Funding sources include donations from the Ave Maria Governing Board and staff, the Ave Maria Guild, individuals, foundations, and corporations. Although a member of the Catholic Diocese, Ave Maria does not receive funds from the Diocese or from individual parish churches.