Unsecured Corridor Handrail in Resident Unit
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure that handrails were securely affixed along resident corridors in the 2400 unit. Census documentation showed that 21 residents resided on this unit. During observation on 8/12/2025 at 9:39 AM, the handrail near the elevator in the 2400 unit was found detached from the wall and hanging down approximately 6 inches, with a hole about 4 inches long visible where the handrail had been anchored. When pressure was applied to the top and bottom of the handrail, it was loose and able to move approximately 6 inches. The Assistant DON observed the condition of the handrail and confirmed it was not secured to the wall. On 8/13/2025 at 10:33 AM, the DON affirmed that the facility’s expectation is that handrails are securely affixed to the walls in case a resident needs assistance with ambulation. The facility’s written policy titled “Preventative Maintenance Program” dated 4/21/21 states that the purpose is to conduct regular environmental tours and safety audits to identify areas of concern within the facility, including that all facility areas are kept in safe condition and that handrails are present and in working condition. The observed loose and detached handrail in the 2400 unit corridor demonstrates that this policy was not effectively implemented, resulting in unsecured handrails in an area where 21 residents reside.
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