F0924

E

Failure to Maintain Secure Handrails on Resident Hallways

Salisbury, Maryland Survey Completed on 02-20-2026

Penalty

No penalty information released

Summary

Surveyors identified a deficiency related to unsecured and missing handrails on two of the facility’s four floors. The facility’s own “Policy for Facilities Maintenance Program” dated 8/12/2025 stated its purpose was to ensure a well-structured preventative maintenance program to promote safety and functionality. A work order created on 1/18/2026 by the administrator documented that handrails on the second floor needed attention and were assigned a high priority. Despite this, observations on 2/17/2026 and 2/20/2026 showed approximately a twelve-foot section of handrails on the second floor detached and unsecured from the wall.

Further observation on the third floor showed an additional approximately five-foot section of unsecured and missing handrails. A CMA reported in interview that the handrails had not been repaired for several months and described them as a safety hazard. The Resident Council President stated the facility was aware the handrails had not been repaired for several months and explained that some residents depend on securing their hands on the handrails for safety. The Maintenance Director reported noticing the inoperable handrails upon being hired on 1/23/2026 and confirmed the facility was aware the second- and third-floor handrails were not secured, without knowing why repairs had not been completed. The Nursing Home Administrator acknowledged awareness that the handrails needed repair and stated that the supplier was taking too long to deliver the materials.