Henrico Seniors Struggle After Apartment Elevator Breaks

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Seniors living at Parham Park Place apartments in Henrico's West End have been without a working elevator for about two months, forcing some residents who have difficulty walking to crawl up stairs to reach their second-floor units. Management has offered temporary assistance, but residents say the solutions are inconvenient and worry a permanent repair is being delayed.

Why it matters

This situation highlights the challenges faced by elderly and disabled residents when critical building infrastructure fails, impacting their ability to access their homes and receive necessary medical care. It raises questions about property management responsibilities and the need for accessible housing accommodations.

The details

Barbara Temple, a resident who has difficulty walking, said she has resorted to crawling to reach her second-floor apartment since the elevator in her building broke. Management has told residents staff is available Monday through Friday to help carry items up the stairs, and they can call a contracted company for assistance going up and down. However, most residents say these temporary solutions are still inconvenient, and they worry the delay in a permanent repair is unacceptable.

• The elevator at Parham Park Place apartments has been broken for about two months.
• On March 9, management sent a letter to tenants informing them of the temporary assistance options.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Henrico County officials and the apartment management are working to find a permanent solution to repair the broken elevator at Parham Park Place.