Home aces federal accreditation

For the fourth year in a row, Eagle Valley Children's Home passed its yearly accreditation audit, making it eligible for state and federal Medicaid funding.

In Carson City since 1946, the private, not-for-profit intermediate-care facility for the mentally retarded first received Medicaid funding in 1975. Since 1993, it has received seven deficiency-free ratings.

"It's a huge deal. It's really a statement of the level of care and professionalism of our staff," said Executive Director Pamela Smith. "We are found to be compliant with all of the standards in the Medicaid federal regulations."

Smith said there are 379 standards that facilities have to meet to receive accreditation.

The home's objective is to teach its 15 clients to be competent and independent, Smith said.

People from ages 8 to 40 are in the program, Smith said. Four Carson City school students live there.

Additionally, 90 families participate in their respite care program, in which caregivers go to clients' homes.

Eagle Valley Children's Home is the only 15-bed facility of its kind in Nevada.