Lightweight Design, Easy Cord Rewind, Comfort-Grip Looped Handle, Adjustable Positioning, Large, Clearly Marked Buttons, Simple Release Filtration Systems
What to Look For in a Vacuum:
Not too many people actually enjoy vacuuming, but most of us accept that it’s a necessary activity if we want to keep our living spaces clean. Unfortunately, this task – which may simply be annoying to most of us – can be difficult and even downright dangerous for some senior citizens.
These machines, which used to be universally heavy, difficult to maneuver and cumbersome to use, have actually come a long way since the vacuums of decades past. Some older models kick up more dust than they pick up, and leave your home with the smell of burnt hair and your ears with a loud ringing. Today’s models employ suction technology to keep the dirt inside the vacuums, while the filtration systems and motors are much quieter and run much cooler than their outdated counterparts.
Even though these three characteristics are pretty standard in most modern-day vacuums, there are many more features that elderly vacuumers should consider before making their next purchases.
Vacuums can weigh more than 20 pounds, making them extremely difficult to carry or move. This is especially true when it comes to putting the unit away or retrieving it, as vacuums are typically stored in closets, behind other commonly used items. Some elderly individuals may also have to lug the unit upstairs, which can be difficult, if not impossible, if the unit is heavy. Look for a lightweight model that weighs less than 15 pounds if you have difficulty carrying large, heavy objects. Note that there are also numerous models that weigh less than 10 pounds, though their minimalist designs usually mean that the vacuums have fewer features and a less powerful suction design than heavier, sturdier models. Speaking of sturdy, lightweight vacuums may also tip over easily, requiring the user to constantly bend down to pick them up.
Many vacuum models have a retractable cord feature that allows the person to rewind the cord with the push of a button. This can be very convenient, especially for those with hand-eye coordination problems or those with arthritis, as fumbling with flimsy wrap hooks can be frustrating. Note, however, that some of the earlier models featuring a retractable cord actually rewound it too fast, causing the cord to whip the user in the arm or leg. In contrast, there are also some units that feature easy-to-use wrap hooks that release the cord with a simple rotation and spring into place when it needs to be rewound.
III. Comfort-Grip Looped Handle
Smooth, plastic handles can be flimsy. This can cause the user to loose his grip on the unit, wherein the vacuum could fall to the floor and possibly onto the user’s foot. An easy way to prevent this is to buy a vacuum with a looped handle. This handle should be ribbed, or at least textured, and should also contain finger grips.
Due to osteoporosis, frailty and a lifetime of poor posture, many seniors are shorter than middle-aged adults, making it hard for the elderly to control a vacuum that wasn’t designed for them. That’s why height adjustment is such a great feature – it allows the elderly user to adjust the vacuum to her height, while not preventing other users, such as that 6’3 grandson, from using the unit too.
V. Large, Clearly Marked Buttons
As with every elder-friendly gadget, any commands that appear on buttons, levers, pedals or knobs should be written in a large, bold, easy-to-read font. The mechanisms themselves should also be large, placed in obvious, easy-to-find spots and color contrasted to the rest of the unit. Obviously, these mechanisms should also engage with a simple push, pull, tap or turn.
VI. Simple Release Filtration Systems
Whether you prefer a unit with a bag-based system or not, you’ll still have to change the filtration system or vacuum bags when they fill up. These are usually located in the middle of the vacuum and should easily release with a slight pull or tug. This is one feature that you definitely want to review in the stores, almost all vacuum brands advertise that their units are easy to empty, but not all live up to this expectation. See the units in person and be sure that you can easily identify the release gauge, remove the bag or system and snap it back into place. If a unit’s bag or filtration system involves multiple parts that never seem to reassemble in the same manner, or if the container doesn’t appear to fit properly, move on.
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After much testing, here are the 6 vacuums that we found to be the most elder-friendly.
Bissell 89Q9 Lift-Off MultiCyclonic Pet Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner with Detachable Canister
Elder-friendly features: Retractable cord, large buttons, good color contrast, easy-to-remove canister, long cord, cleans floors and carpets
Cons: Heavy, handle is difficult to grip
Tips: This vacuum is perfect for cleaning pet hair. Elderly users will appreciate the detachable canister feature, which allows users to attach a hose and take this lighter-weight model upstairs or to other hard-to-reach places.
Hoover UH70210 WindTunnel T-series Pet Rewind Plus Bagless Upright
Elder-friendly features: Retractable cord, easy-to-remove wind tunnel, two handles for easy maneuverability, clean filter warning system, carpet-height adjustment
Cons: Fonts are hard to see, knob is difficult to turn, unit is heavy
Tips: This was the best vacuum we tested, we’re just disappointed that it won’t be ideal for seniors with poor eyesight, difficulty turning knobs or difficulty lifting heavy objects. If you don’t have any of these ailments, however, this unit is great.
Eureka 4236AZ Comfort Clean Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner
Elder-friendly features: Comfort-grip handle, adjustable height, retractable cord, good color contrast
Cons: Moderately heavy, filtration system is difficult to snap back in place
Tips: This is perhaps the most elder-friendly vacuum we encountered. Once you can master removing and replacing the filtration system after it fills you should be in business.
Kenmore Premalite Vacuum, Green
Elder-friendly features: Simplistic design, two comfort-grip handles for easy maneuverability, easily removable filter, lightweight, LED path lighting
Cons: Buttons are difficult to push, fonts are small, not great color contrasting
Tips: This vacuum is perfect for seniors who want a model similar to those of the past. Its design and color scheme are reminiscent of older models, but its lightweight, bagless design makes it easier for seniors to use.
Dirt Devil Breeze Bagless Upright
Elder-friendly features: Moderately lightweight, more compact than most vacuums, filter is easily removable
Cons: Power pedal is difficult to reach and see
Tips: Seniors with little space will love this model’s smaller frame. It also has a pretty basic design, making it a good transition vacuum for those who have held onto their old models for years.
Bissell 82H1 Cleanview Helix Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner
Elder-friendly features: Moderately lightweight, adjustable height, long cord, rotating wrap hooks, large, clearly marked, color-contrasted buttons and knobs
Cons: Dirt cup is easy to remove but hard to put back, knob needs to be used a few times before it loosens up
Tips: Overall, this is a really nice vacuum. It has a few flaws, but they can be overcome with a little work.
The RC46 clock radio by RCA is the perfect companion in the morning. This alarm clock rates high in all the major categories. Throw in its' affordability, and this is one of the better ones out there.
A simply snazzy alarm clock. The Electric Alarm Clock from Elgin gives you 7 different display colors to choose from.
The iC172 iPod dock alarm clock radio by Emerson features more than an iPod docking station. It features an integrated LCD projector which allows you to project the time in LARGE numerals onto your wall or ceiling. The large projected display is ideal for anyone who has poor vision or a difficult time seeing without the aid of eye glasses.
Wake to your docked iPod, the radio, or--if you must--a classic buzzer alarm. Whichever you choose, a gradual alarm feature gently raises the alarm volume, so it's not too jarring. Great options and features on a great alarm clock.
Newly designed for 2010 with a bigger display and bigger sound, the iP90 represents the latest in iHome's #1 clock radio franchise. Made to charge, play and wake to iPhone/iPod, it has many great features including a remote, AM/FM pre-sets, dual alarm, Time Sync, 7-5-2 alarm settings and more.
With a unique wedge design and silver case with a blue lens cover, the Sharp SPC019F Red LED Alarm Clock with a Wedge Style Case will add a dash of color and flair to your bedside table. A red 0.6-inch LED display ensures that you'll always know exactly what time it is, and an alarm with a snooze feature means that you can catch a few extra winks before starting your day.
