An elderly woman said she is stuck at her condominium in Laguna Woods because of a broken elevator undergoing repairs.
Elizabeth Sherman said she cannot leave her Laguna Woods home. Sherman is 92-years-old and uses a walker to get around. She said she cannot handle three flights of stairs.
"I feel it's unfair. I mean if somebody can't walk the stairs, they should feel some responsibility or make arrangements for them," she said.
Sherman makes a list every night of what she needs to survive and family members deliver food to her on the weekends. She also wears a life-alert device in case of emergency.
"It's on my mind constantly that I'm here and stuck. I worry, but I just worry about the fact that I can't get out."
Officials for the building said residents were warned that the elevators would remain inoperable for two weeks. Upon learning about the elevator repairs, some residents moved out in the mean time while other residents who couldn't afford to leave remained at the building.
Signs were posted at the elevator that said it will be out of service for 18 days.
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Tex Ali is another resident at the building who said he can maneuver the stairs but slowly.
Residents received a letter in August recommending they find alternative accommodations.
Regarding what would happen to residents who can't get out, Laguna Woods said residents were given notice "well over a month in advance" and that an ambulance service provider could help residents up and down the stairs.
Laguna Woods officials said they have about 10 elevators in various building that they plan to repair or replace. They said the association has money for those but not for housing residents such as Sherman.
