Group home earns top grade

Gardnerville is home to one of the first group homes in Nevada to receive an "A" in a new grading system implemented by the state.

Riverview Manor, an eight-bed home located near Carson Valley Golf Course in Gardnerville, received one of two "A"s given by the state after a survey conducted by the Nevada Bureau of Health Care Quality in January.

Owners Mary Ellen Padgett and her daughter Debra Hughes said they've operated the assisted living group home for 13 years.

Because they don't rely on government subsidies, they are able to pick who lives there. The home is licensed for 10 beds, but they keep the occupancy down to eight.

"Eight is enough for us," Padgett said. "It's all ladies and we staff 24/7."

Including Padgett and Hughes, there are a half dozen staff members.

"We try to keep them as independent as possible," Padgett said.

Staff members are medically certified in CPR and first aid and other rescue skills.

The ranch style home overlooks the golf course.

According to the Nevada State Health Division, the grading system implemented this year will eventually include all 400 licensed group homes in the state.

As they are inspected, the homes will receive a letter grade ranging from "A" for excellence to "D" for someplace where there is potential for harm to residents. Those homes receiving "C" or "D" grades must ask for a new survey and pay a fee along with submitting plans to correct deficiencies.