Failure to Maintain and Secure Hallway Handrails
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple deficiencies related to hallway handrails throughout the facility. Several handrails were missing plastic end cap pieces, including those in front of the nurses' station on Unit One, near the respiratory supply closet, and near the social services office. Additional observations revealed a broken handrail outside a resident room and missing end caps outside other resident rooms. The Maintenance Director confirmed awareness of these issues, noting that some handrails had been missing or broken for at least three weeks to a month. Further inspection identified missing sections of handrails between specific office doors and next to the nurses' station on Unit Two. The Maintenance Director provided measurements for the missing handrail sections and acknowledged the absence of handrails in these areas. Both the Maintenance Director and the Director of Nursing stated that handrails are important for resident safety, particularly for those who require assistance with ambulation, as they provide support and help prevent falls. The observations and staff interviews confirmed that the facility failed to ensure that handrails were properly installed and maintained in all required hallway areas.