Loose Handrails in Hallway
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that the handrail in one of three hallways was firmly secured to the wall, which had the potential to result in injury to residents, visitors, and staff. During an observation and interview with a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in the Hollywood BLVD hallway, it was noted that the handrail between certain rooms was loose and moved back and forth. The CNA confirmed that the handrail was not safe for residents to hold on to. Further observation and interview with the Environmental Service Director (ESD) confirmed that the handrails were loose and needed to be tightened, acknowledging the potential risk of injury if the rails came off while in use by residents. The Director of Nursing (DON) also confirmed that the loose handrails should have been fixed and acknowledged the potential risk of a resident falling due to the loose rails. The Administrator (ADM) reiterated that loose handrails are not safe and could lead to falls for residents or staff. The facility's policy and procedure, titled Maintenance Service, dated December 2009, indicated that the maintenance department is responsible for maintaining the building and equipment in a safe and operable manner at all times. The policy emphasized maintaining the building in good repair and free from hazards. Additionally, a review of the professional standard from the Legal Information Institute titled Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 22, S 72635-Handrails, indicated that corridors shall be equipped with firmly secured handrails as required by Section T17-058I, Title 24. The facility's failure to adhere to these standards and policies led to the deficiency observed by the surveyors.
Penalty
Resources
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The facility failed to provide secured handrails in the hallway of the 200 unit, potentially affecting 15 independently mobile residents. During a tour, it was observed that no handrails were affixed to the walls. The Administrator confirmed this absence, stating that the unit was being remodeled and handrails needed to be ordered. This issue was investigated under multiple complaint numbers.
The facility failed to ensure handrails were in good repair, potentially affecting all residents. During an observation, a missing portion of the handrail was noted across from the 300-hall dining/activity area and next to the area where puzzles were kept. The Maintenance Assistant verified the observation and stated he did not know how long it had been that way but would get it fixed.
Lack of Secured Handrails in 200 Unit Hallway
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that there were secured handrails throughout the hallway on the 200 unit, which had the potential to affect 15 independently mobile residents residing in that unit. During an initial tour of the 200-hall, it was observed that there were no handrails affixed to the walls. This observation was confirmed in an interview with the Administrator, who acknowledged the absence of handrails and mentioned that the unit was undergoing remodeling, and he would need to order them. This deficiency was investigated under Master Complaint Numbers OH00156054, OH00155202, and OH00155184.
Handrails in Disrepair
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure handrails were in good repair, which had the potential to affect all residents. During an observation on 04/25/24 at 11:13 A.M., a missing portion of the handrail was noted across from the 300-hall dining/activity area and next to the area where puzzles were kept. The Maintenance Assistant (MA) verified the observation and stated he did not know how long it had been that way but would get it fixed. This deficiency was investigated under Master Complaint Number OH00153331 and Complaint Number OH00153001.
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