Failure to Maintain Safe and Operable Shower Room Handrails
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain the shared shower room on the 5th floor east in a safe and operable condition, as evidenced by a broken safety handrail on the left side of the shower wall and a loose safety handrail on the right side. During an observation, it was noted that the left handrail was broken and the right handrail was loose. A certified nursing assistant (CNA) confirmed that the left handrail had been broken for about two months and that residents had complained about it being in the way, but primarily used the other handrails. The CNA was unsure how long the right handrail had been loose. The maintenance supervisor stated he was not aware of either the broken or loose handrails prior to being informed during the survey. The facility's policy and procedure for maintenance services requires that all equipment and building areas be kept in a safe and operable manner at all times, with maintenance staff responsible for identifying and prioritizing repairs. However, the broken and loose handrails in the shower room were not addressed in a timely manner, resulting in a deficiency related to the safe maintenance of essential equipment.