As a 73-year-old woman with health issues, I never thought I would share an experience publicly, but after much prayer and speaking with my family, I felt the need to express what I have gone through. I hope this helps others — especially seniors or those in similar situations — understand the lack of respect I have experienced at Brookwood Ridge.
I have been living at Brookwood for 9 months. Before that, I lived with my son while dealing with health issues, and my grandson helped me move here due to its senior community setup and convenience. I requested an access code for the gate because I could not get in on my own. For a month, no one responded or guided me on how to obtain it. My grandson repeatedly came to help, but whether he came or not seemed to make no difference. I continued to call and speak with the office several times with no answer or return call.
Things became worse in October when the plumbing in my apartment backed up with feces in my tub. I called the office and received no response. Eventually, someone came, but I have been traumatized by this experience. I constantly check the bathroom because of it. Since then, I have had severe anxiety about using the toilet. I keep my bathroom door closed at all times. I have migraines, anxiety, blackouts, and depression — something I have never experienced before.
For months, I have been forced to use the club house bathroom. As a senior, this is extremely difficult — especially in cold weather. I walk back and forth with swollen legs, and at times I fear falling. I pay rent like everyone else, and I expect to be able to use my home safely. The water heater has also not worked properly, and I frequently hear a knocking sound.
No one from the office has checked on me regarding the bathroom issue, nor have they shown courtesy or concern. The lack of urgency, care, and cleanliness made me feel humiliated and unsafe in what should be my home. I expressed my need to move due to health and sanity, only to be told that they have 900 other tenants to worry about. I felt dismissed, overlooked, and as if my suffering was too much for them to handle. Seniors deserve respect, kindness, and compassion, not to be treated like a number.
All I wanted was for management to work with me under my circumstances regarding breaking my lease. My lease ends in March, and I live on a fixed income. Instead, I was spoken to in an unprofessional tone and told amounts I would owe without clarity or empathy. This is creating extreme financial stress for me.
In New York State, when a person of my age is moving into a 55+ community with a 30-day notice, they should not be penalized. I hope my story helps the next person considering moving here. I have rented many apartments and have even been a landlord for over 30 years. What matters most is how people are treated.
I choose to move forward and find a community that values seniors, treats them with dignity, and does not view them as burdens or numbers.
God Bless.
Selena Harris Trent