Residents of Southern Hills Retirement Community in Tulsa, Oklahoma, are voicing serious safety concerns after a series of elevator malfunctions and a lack of responsive communication from the new management. The issues, which began in early October when ownership transferred from Selectis Health to Black Pearl Equity LLC, have left many seniors, particularly those who rely on wheelchairs and walkers, feeling vulnerable.
Elevator problems leave residents stranded
Will Clark, an 80‑year‑old resident who has lived at Southern Hills for about two years, described a dramatic decline in conditions over the past three months. “When I first moved in here, this place was fantastic. Everything worked, management was great. And then, about three months ago, things started going downhill,” Clark said.
Clark explained that the community has two elevators for resident use, but one has been out of service for weeks. The remaining elevator frequently gets stuck on the third floor, forcing residents to climb three flights of stairs despite heart conditions and mobility challenges. “I have to climb three flights of stairs with a heart condition to free that elevator and get it back down so these people have access to the rooms,” he added.
Communication gaps exacerbate worries
In addition to the mechanical failures, residents report difficulty reaching management when problems arise. “There’s nobody in the office 95% of the time; it’s a vacant residence. We have no way to make contact to explain the things are going wrong,” Clark said.
Another resident, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation, echoed these concerns: “There’s been no connection. No contact! No leave a message or respond back coming from the office. We got family like, what’s going on? Is nobody working there?”
Ownership change and unanswered inquiries
The timing of the complaints aligns with the reported change in ownership from Selectis Health to Black Pearl Equity LLC in early October. Attempts to reach Black Pearl Equity LLC for comment on Saturday afternoon were unsuccessful because the corporation’s offices were closed for the weekend. The office is expected to reopen on Monday morning.
While the community’s management has not yet issued a public statement, the residents’ grievances highlight the importance of reliable infrastructure and clear communication in senior housing, especially for those with limited mobility.
What seniors and families can do
Families of residents are encouraged to stay in close contact with their loved ones, document any incidents, and request written updates from management. If safety concerns persist, seniors may consider contacting local consumer protection agencies or the Oklahoma Department of Health, which oversees senior living facilities, to file formal complaints.
Community advocates stress that senior housing providers have a duty to maintain safe, accessible environments and to respond promptly to resident needs. Ensuring that elevators function reliably and that management remains reachable are basic expectations for any retirement community.
Looking ahead
Residents hope that the new owners will address the elevator issues and improve communication channels quickly. As the community awaits a response from Black Pearl Equity LLC, seniors and their families remain vigilant, prioritizing safety and accessibility in their daily lives.
Original reporting: KTUL 8 (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
