We all know that with age comes wisdom, but with age also comes physical decline. Our bodies change; we lose some of our natural strength and energy. It’s no wonder people look specifically for lightweight vacuum cleaners for seniors.
Housework can become difficult or even unmanageable. Cleaning the bathroom is a struggle, and maneuvering a heavy vacuum cleaner is a chore in itself. Many seniors suffer from arthritis, which alone makes lifting anything heavy virtually impossible.
Why Housekeeping is a Bigger Challenge with Age
As we age, the actual shape of our body undergoes natural changes. As we move past the age of 30, organs such as the liver and kidney lose cells. We lose muscle and bone power and invariably gain body fat surrounding the internal organs. And both men and women lose height as “shrinkage” occurs. All these changes can impair our balance and make it easier for us to fall and sustain injuries.
Diet and exercise do help seniors, but the body will invariably become weaker. And doing the housework will become more difficult.
Most seniors grew up in an age where cleanliness was a given. It was a matter of pride and habit. At a certain age, seniors still demand that certain level of neatness, but it becomes far more challenging to achieve.
That is one reason many seniors opt for lightweight vacuum cleaners. It’s a very practical idea, but they must ensure that the vacuum cleaner fits their needs, i.e., is corded or cordless, is upright or not, and is bagless vs. bagged. There are many choices, and seniors need to be able to make the best choices.
How to Choose a Vacuum Cleaner for the Elderly
There are several things to consider before purchasing the type of lightweight vacuum cleaner that a senior can carry, maneuver, push, and pull. Does it need to be moved up and down a staircase? That just adds to the problem, and some seniors actually have a lightweight vacuum on each floor of their house, which is a great idea if the funds allow for it.
- The weight of the vacuum is the prime consideration. It needs to be easy to handle.
- The vacuum’s filtration system should prevent allergens from getting into the air.
- The machine should turn on and off with ease. The bag or canister should detach and empty without difficulty. The brushes need to be simple to clean. All these issues are particularly critical to sufferers of arthritis.
- The vacuum handle should be of proper height. This makes it easier for the senior to push and pull the vacuum.
- Vacuum cleaners are available both with cords and in cordless form. Seniors may benefit from going cordless to lessen the risk of tripping over a cord.
Vacuum Feature Considerations
Modern technology has brought about far more product choices that what many seniors may have encountered growing up. There are many different brands, types, and features of different products nowadays, and that includes vacuum cleaners as well.
- A lightweight vacuum cleaner is the easiest type to maneuver and is the best type for seniors. But there is give and take with every feature you choose. Lightweight doesn’t necessarily equate with powerful, so the buyer needs to beware of what they are giving up with each feature choice.
- To prevent tripping, cordless vacuums are safer for seniors. They are also efficient to maneuver into tight corners and stairs.
- A stick vacuum is a lightweight, less powerful type of vacuum cleaner that does not have a bag. The debris gets trapped in a canister which needs to be emptied.
- Bagless vacuum cleaners that come with a canister are usually more lightweight. The senior simply needs to ensure that he or she can fasten and unfasten the canister.
- A handheld vacuum cleaner has the obvious advantage of being small and light. There is no problem carrying them around or up and down the stairs as most of them weigh under five pounds. They can easily be stored anywhere. The size makes them ideal for smaller living spaces as well as hard-to-reach areas.
As an additional benefit, most handheld vacuums are also cordless and make a quick cleanup a snap without having to haul a larger vacuum cleaner out of its storage space. Seniors may be interested in a standard-sized vacuum that can be adapted to hand-held. The problem with handheld vacuums is that they do not have the power or capacity of larger units.
- Upright vacuums will serve most seniors better than canister vacuums. Some buyers may wonder about the difference between a canister versus upright vacuum cleaner and which model is more suitable for seniors.
A canister vacuum has separate parts, such as the container, the handle, and the nozzle, while the upright vacuum is an all-in-one machine. The canister vacuum tends to be quieter, more powerful, and more expensive, but there is more to carry around if the goal is to vacuum an entire house. The upright works well on carpets is cheaper and is easier to maneuver and store.
When choosing the best vacuum cleaner, seniors need to consider safety, ease of use, suction power, as well as storage. The more lightweight the machine, the more suitable it will be for an elderly user.
7 Great Lightweight Vacuum Cleaners for Seniors
Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight Compact Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner
- Quick release handle for effortless above floor cleaning. Attach the crevice tool or dusting brush to the end of the handle for cleaning upholstery, windows and other hard to reach places
- Powerful all floor suction extracts dirt and hair from hard floors and carpets ease. It’s 10.5” wide cleaning path gets the job done quickly
This vacuum cleaner includes a brush for vacuuming upholstery, a washable filter, and powerful suction capability. It is 10.5 inches wide and can reach into most corners and is ideal for smaller living spaces. At only 7.7 pounds, this Eureka vacuum cleaner can be carried almost anywhere.
Pros:
- Can be easily stored in a small closet space.
- It has superior suction power.
Cons:
- Could be easier to push around.
- The cord is not retractable.
Dirt Devil Vibe 3 in 1 Vacuum Cleaner
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN: Easy clean from room-to-room and up-and-down stairs with the lightweight and compact design
- ON/OFF BRUSHROLL: Easily transition from carpet to hard floor cleaning with the touch of a button
This very lightweight vacuum cleaner is only 3.4 pounds with an easy-to-handle compact design. It switches easily from hardwood floor to carpet and has an easy-to-use dirt cup. It is perfect for smaller spaces.
Pros:
- Has a long, 15-foot cord.
- Is very inexpensive.
Cons:
- Is probably not suitable for a large house.
- Could have more suction power.
Shark HV322 Rocket Pet Plus Corded Stick Vacuum
- POWERFUL SUCTION: Thorough deep carpet cleaning, and powerful pet hair pickup on all surfaces.
- LIGHTWEIGHT VERSATILITY: Ultra-lightweight and converts into a handheld vacuum for versatile floor-to-ceiling cleaning.
This lightweight upright vacuum weighing 8.6 pounds is designed to pick up pet hair with two brush attachments. It cleans bare floors and carpets. LED lights highlight dirt that otherwise might be missed.
Pros:
- The vacuum converts to a handheld vacuum.
- Deep cleans well enough for thick carpets.
- It requires little storage space.
Cons:
- The cord is non-retractable.
Kenmore DU2012 Bagless Upright Vacuum
- BAGLESS UPRIGHT VACUUM: Remove pet hair, dirt and more with this multifloor, multi-surface designed vacuum for use in your home, den, or kitchen with a wide sweeper path.1200.0 watts
- HEPA FILTER SYSTEM Enhanced HEPA filter system traps 99.7% of dirt, trapping dirt inside the vacuum reducing pollutants in the room
The Kenmore DU2012 has two special pet hair tools and cleans both carpets and hardwood floors. The vacuum includes a crevice tool and brush. The HEPA filter system suctions dirt inside the vacuum to alleviate pollutants floating through the air. It has great suction power, and the power can be adjusted for a variety of carpet weights. There is also a tool for upholstery cleaning.
This vacuum cleaner weighs under 14 pounds and comes with swivel steering for easy operation.
Pros:
- The Kenmore has extraordinary suction power.
- A light draws attention to small hidden objects and dirt.
Cons:
- There is no wand extension for reaching high areas such as curtain rods.
- The cylinder should be emptied after every use.
Bissell 3061 Featherweight Cordless Stick Vacuum
- Every Purchase Saves Pets. BISSELL proudly supports BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets..Runtime: 20.0 minutes
- Cordless, Lightweight Vacuum. 10.8V lithium-ion battery provides up to 20 minutes of run time and charges in just 4.5 hours.
This 5.8 pounds Bissell vacuum includes a battery (no plug-in), crevice tool, and brush. The battery provides up to 40 minutes of cleaning time. It recharges in under 5 hours.
Pros:
- The vacuum is cordless.
- Converts to a hand vacuum.
- Reaches well under furniture.
- A red light warns against low battery power
Cons:
- Runs only on battery power
- Does not have enough power for a heavy shag carpet.
INSE Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, 23Kpa 265W Suction Stick Vacuum Cleaner
- 【2500 m-A-h Detachable Large Capacity Battery】8-Cell battery inside support the vacuum cleaner with longer runtime, up to 45 mins on standard mode, 20 mins on max mode. The removable battery pack can be charged in or out of the stick vacuum cleaner
- 【5 Stages High-Efficiency Filtration System】The cordless stick vacuum is equipped with 5 stages of complete sealing filtration system - high density sponge, HEPA filter, mesh filter, stainless steel strainer and strong cyclone separation, locks in small particles without leakage while expels purified fresher air for your family.
This vacuum cleaner is conveniently cordless and comes with a rechargeable battery. It comes with a motorized brush head, long crevice, power adapter, extra filter and hose, wall adapter, and a special brush for ceilings and curtains. With all that, this lightweight vacuum weighs in at 3.3 pounds. Can be used on hardwood floors, carpets, and upholstery.
Pros:
- Is ultra-quiet.
- The battery runs for 45 minutes.
- The swivel allows cleaning under beds and furniture.
Cons:
- None
Micol 27000Pa Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
The Micol vacuum has powerful suction capability, with dual motor technology. This allows for 80 percent more power than some other cordless vacuum cleaners at a mere 3.5 pounds. There are three power options – maximum for deep carpets, medium, and minimum for hardwood floors and tiles. A long crevice allows the ceiling and curtains to be cleaned easily.
Pros:
- The filtration system seals in dust particles to ensure healthy air quality.
- Cleans in hard-to-reach places
Cons:
- Vacuum can get noisy when in use.
How Seniors Can Maintain a Tidy Home with Some Extra Help
Despite the wide variety of lightweight vacuums available to seniors, sometimes even those are too much. For the senior still living independently but needed some help, there are ways to make domestic chores easier. Caretakers and family can help seniors take better care of their homes by doing the following:
- Create a prioritized list of cleaning chores. It can become easy for an elderly person to become overwhelmed with household tasks and just give up altogether.
- Clutter can accumulate quickly. Create a schedule (perhaps 15 minutes at the end of each day) to clear clutter, hang clothes back in the closet, and reduce fall risks. This schedule should consider which rooms are used the most and make those a priority. Perhaps a basket in each room for discarded items can help.
A schedule can be quite specific. It can list necessary daily tasks, such as making the bed and doing the dishes. Weekly tasks can include scrubbing all flat counter surfaces, vacuuming floors and carpets, and dusting. If the home is too large, this can be done one room at a time.
Maybe a Cleaner Service is Better
While seniors may need to adapt their lifestyle to the aging process, when it comes to cleaning, perhaps they should also consider the benefits of hiring a home cleaning service.
Some seniors move into assisted living facilities where the housekeeping is done for them, but congregate housing is usually a more appropriate first step for the elder who just needs sporadic assistance (housekeeping included). This can make housekeeping much less challenging; however, some seniors prefer the independence of living in their own homes. Their own home is familiar and comfortable, and they prefer to remain – it’s just the cleaning that is a problem, and that can be an uncomfortable fact to have to face.
A cleaning serving may allow them to stay in their home and ensure that said home is clean. For some, hiring someone to do most of the cleaning can be an indispensable part of aging.
From running a vacuum cleaner to cleaning the top shelves, aging can keep seniors from doing a thorough cleaning job. Just bending down can be difficult. Seniors need to consider the following when debating the expense of hiring a cleaning service.
- A cleaning service will reduce the risk of accidents. Seniors frequently experience injuries or falls while attempting to complete cleaning tasks, and just one fall can be critical for someone with fragile, brittle bones. A cleaning service can reduce back injuries or broken bones.
- Even if seniors can muster up the energy and strength to clean, it is doubtful that they can do a thorough and hygienic job. As a result, they may end up living in a home that gradually becomes more and more unhygienic and unclean – to the point that an elderly person could suffer health consequences.
- Many seniors are quite isolated and lonely. A weekly maid/housekeeper may be their only contact with others and a welcome opportunity to chat for a bit and enjoy some company. There are cleaning companies that are specifically geared to the needs of the elderly, which may include cooking a meal or sitting down with them for a few minutes, or even taking them for a short walk.
Caretakers and families need to pay attention when seniors can do less around the house. Seniors themselves may be reluctant to admit to something they consider an embarrassing weakness. But growing old is a natural process, and there is much a can do to help the elderly age with dignity and in a safe manner.
