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10 Best Vacuum Cleaners for the Elderly

LAST UPDATED: 04 Nov 2020


10 Best Vacuum Cleaners for the Elderly – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

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vacuums for the elderly

MOOSOO XL-618A Cordless Vacuum


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vacuum for seniors

Hikeren 12Kpa Vacuum Cleaner


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paul hardwick

This product guide is written by Paul Hardwick

Most seniors suffer from back pain, arthritis, and general body weakness. As such, they cannot pull, push, or lift the heavy vacuum cleaners that millennials use. Vacuuming doesn’t have to be a tedious activity as long as you choose the best lightweight vacuum cleaners for elderly parents.

Besides the vacuum cleaner being light, you might need to consider other convenience features the vacuum might have. If you can afford a robotic or smart vacuum, it will be more suited for the elderly than these other vacuums as it doesn’t need much input from them. If the price of that is not within affordability, there are hosts of other affordable vacuums.

Below, we have created a list of the best vacuums you can for seniors, people suffering back pain, shoulder pain, and people with arthritis. You can find all of these at most online stores like Amazon, BestBuy and others.

About The Author

paul hardwick

Welcome to Vacuum Picker!

My name is Paul Hardwick. I am passionate about all things vacuum. From very early on I was fascinated with them and after earning an engineering degree in electro-mechanical systems, I have been able to appreciate them even more. Here I will share with you my insights on the options available in the market & help you pick the best for all your vacuum needs! Read more.

10 Best Vacuums for the Elderly

1

Hoover T-Series UH70120 WindTunnel Rewind Plus

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At first glance, this vacuum looks huge and bulky, but it only weighs 16.5 pounds. It is an upright vacuum, which makes its weight relatively light. Besides the reduced weight, the vacuum comes with a few convenient features that make it easy to use.

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The WindTunnel technology ensures seniors only need to push or pull the vacuum a little, and it does the job. It generates enough suction to remove even the smallest particles in the first sweep. You can use when the carpet has embedded dirt such as pet hair, pollen, dust, and much more.

Inside the vacuum is a HEPA filter that traps 99.7 percent of the dust and pollen. It traps minute dust particles, as small as 0.3 microns. Its height adjusts up to five levels to meet the needs of seniors of all heights. It comes with five extensions, including a crevice tool, extension wand, power hand tool, upholstery tool, and a dusting brush.


Pros

  •  Long power cord, 25-feet and retractable
  • Long 8-feet stretch hoses
  • Lightweight for use by the elderly

Cons

  • The system check light blinks for the smallest issues
  •  Its large size looks bulky

2

Eureka PowerSpeed Bagless Vacuum 

light vacuum for elders

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If you need an easy to use vacuum for senior citizens, the Eureka PowerSpeed will meet your needs. It is a bagless vacuum that is lightweight, powerful, and adjustable. It allows you to clean different surfaces from hard floors to carpets and upholstery. At only 10 pounds, seniors can lift, push, and pull the vacuum with so much ease.

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Inside the vacuum is a powerful dynamic motor that pairs with a rugged brush roll to remove embedded debris. With a nozzle measuring 12.6 inches, you are able to clean larger areas faster. You can adjust its height up to five levels to meet the needs of seniors of different heights. This also allows you to use it on different surfaces.

The unit has a 4.1L dust cup that takes sufficient dust so that you do not have to keep emptying. Other features that make it easier to use include a quick-release handle, a dusting brush, upholstery tool, 7-inch crevice tool, and a stretch hose.



Pros

  • Long 25-feet power cord
  • Wheels that roll smoothly for ease of use
  • The filter is washable

Cons

  • Loud operation
  •  Plastic construction may not be durable

3

Sharp Rocket HV301 Bagless Vacuum

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Sharp Rocket is a stick vacuum that weighs only eight pounds. It is slim, easy to push, and takes only a small space in storage. You can convert this vacuum into a handheld unit and use it to spot clean surfaces above the floor. When used as a handheld unit, it weighs much less.

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It sports fingertip controls and ensures a senior doesn’t have to bend to use the vacuum. In one sweep, the vacuum cleans a path of 8.5 inches. It comes with a swivel steering that makes it easy to maneuver when you are cleaning different surfaces. You will also find it easy to use around furniture and other obstacles in the home.

Sharp Rocket offer home and car detail kit that accompanies this vacuum, allowing you to clean crevices and tight areas.



Pros

  • 2-in-1 design for versatility
  • Ultra-lightweight at eight pounds for ease of use
  • Slim and takes less storage space

Cons

  •  Pet hairs might stick on the brush
  • The vacuum is relatively less durable

4

Hikeren 12000 PA Vacuum Cleaner

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This vacuum is even lighter than the ones above at only 5.1 pounds. It is a stick vacuum, which means handling is also easier for the elderly. The suction is strong at 12000PA powered by a 120W two-mode motorhead. You can switch between low power, which suctions enough for most homes, or the high power, which works for embedded dirt and other heavy mess.

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The unit has a 180-degree swivel design matched with a folding handle to reach tight spaces and under the furniture. Besides, the vacuum is cordless, so you can push it as farther away from the power outlet as possible.


The unit sports LED lights that help seniors locate where dirt is in low light conditions. Inside the unit is a 2500mAh battery that lasts up to 40 minutes when the unit is on low power and up to 30 minutes when the vacuum operates on high power.

Pros

  • Made of durable ABS plastic material
  • Offers two suction modes
  • Cordless design for enhanced portability

Cons

  • It is challenging to empty
  • The low power mode is not strong enough for most homes

5

MOOSOO XL-618A Cordless Vacuum

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The MOOSOO XL-618A is both cordless and bagless, and this reduces its weight to 3.3 pounds. Seniors can carry it, push it, or pull it anywhere they want. The unit runs on a battery that can give you between 20 and 35 minutes of runtime on standard suction mode. Switch to more powerful mode and the runtime reduces, but you get better and faster cleaning.

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You can convert it into a handheld vacuum cleaner to clean surfaces off the floor. This is ideal for curtains, upholstery, stairs, and windowsills among others. It is also ideal for quick cleanups and spot-cleaning.


Inside the vacuum is a HEPA filter and a high-efficiency cyclone. These two features ensure that the unit is highly efficient as it operates with a high-speed airflow that can remove embedded and tough particles. This way, the unit can pick even the minutest pollen grains.

Pros

  • Ergonomic handle for ease of use
  • Ultra-light construction with a 2-in-1 functionality
  • Efficient HEPA filtration system

Cons

  •  The dust bin is small
  • Battery runtime could’ve been better

6

Dyson Cyclone V10 Cordless Upright Vacuum Cleaner

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This is an upright cordless and stick vacuum for seniors. It has a powerful battery that can run for 60 minutes on low-power mode. The unit has three operations modes, depending on where you need to clean. When on high-power mode, the battery only runs for 20 minutes. Still, the battery charges in less than three and a half hours.

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This vacuum sports a direct drive that works perfectly in carpeted areas and different floor types. This system can remove even the smallest and embedded dirt from your carpet. Inside, the unit has a Dyson digital V10 motor that offers peak suction when you switch to high power mode.


The five-pound vacuum can convert into a handheld unit, allowing you to clean surfaces off the floor. It also comes with a combination tool, a crevice tool, and a wall dock. The unit is fully sealed to trap all allergens collected from the floor so that your breathing space is kept clean.

 

Pros

  • Ultra-light for seniors at only five pounds
  • Works well for both hard floors and carpets
  • Relatively long battery runtime on low power mode

Cons

  • Not possible to lock the vacuum on, so you have to hold the button all the while the unit is running
  • Relatively pricey

7

Shark Rocket ZS351 Corded Vacuum on Amazon

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Shark vacuum is a corded vacuum that sports a zero-M self-cleaning brush roll. This brush roll picks up embedded dirt and hair with ease. It is ideal for thick and plush carpets and can extract thick and stubborn dirt with much ease. It also works perfectly on hard floors, making it great for combined cleaning.

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It sports a large dust cup, so you do not have to empty it often. You can use it to clean large areas. This cup holds 0.7 liters of dirt. Again, the unit has a long 30 feet cord to move far from the outlet.


The unit converts into a handheld vacuum that you can use to clean surfaces off the floor with the push of a button. You can also use the handheld unit to clean small messes. At only 9.3 pounds, older people can use this vacuum with ease.


Pros

  • Powerful swivel steering
  • Performs perfectly as a stick and handheld unit
  • Self-cleaning brush

Cons

  •  It operates loudly
  • Emptying is not easy

8

Bissell Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner on Amazon

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Bissell sports a powerful battery that runs for up to 40 minutes on strong suction. It is a lightweight upright vacuum at only 7.75 pounds. Its handle collapses when you need to store the unit. You can use it to clean different surfaces, thanks to its innovative foot design. It has multi-surface brush rolls that offer high-performance to clean hard floors and area rugs.

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The unit offers a lithium-ion battery that offers fade-free power so that you can clean perfectly from start to finish. It offers enhanced maneuverability so that you can clean around furniture and tight spaces with ease. The handle can lay flat for you to clean under the furniture.


The dirt bin is easy to empty where the slider easily pushes out the dirt and debris. There are also LED lights that illuminate small dust particles, allowing you to clean effectively.


Pros

  • Battery runs for up to 40 minutes
  • You can use it for small and tight spaces
  • Can be used for cleaning carpets and floor surfaces

Cons

  • Battery life reduces with use
  • On/Off switch gets weak with time

9

Dirt-Devil Simpli-Stik SD20000RED Vacuum Cleaner

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This is a simple 3-in-1 vacuum cleaner that works as a stick vacuum, extended hand, and handheld vacuum. It is a bagless unit with a 0.35 liter dust cup that you can empty with ease. This unit is corded and sports a 16-foot power cord. The vacuum feels simple to use irrespective of whether you are cleaning hard floor or carpets.

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As a handheld vacuum, you can use it to clean surfaces above the floor such as curtains, stairs, and upholstery.


It is one of the lightest vacuums on this list, weighing a little less than 4 pounds. This makes it ideal for seniors and people who have back and shoulders problems. Its filter is washable, which means you will spend less on filter replacements. Allow the filter to completely dry, for at least 24 hours, before you put it back into the system. Check it out on Amazon.

 

Pros

  • Has an easy to use onboard crevice tool
  • Lightweight for use by elderly people
  • Easy to empty

Cons

  • Power cord is only 16 feet
  • Operates loudly

10

iRobot Roomba Wi-Fi Connected Vacuum Cleaner 

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This is an affordable smart vac for seniors. Instead of worrying of the weight of the unit, iRobot Roomba allows you to clean different spaces without lifting anything. It offers powerful performance that offers up to five times more suction than the ordinary robot cleaner.

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The unit uses intelligent iAdapt technology that combines with vSLAM navigation to map and clean your entire house. The system collects thousands of precise measurements to make it efficient every time. It can navigate in neat rows with smart sensing technology.


The unit is ideal for homes with pets as the brushes are designed to not tangle with hair. The high-efficiency filters can trap allergens from dogs and cars up to 99 percent. It integrates with your phone through an app so that you can control it with ease through your phone. It also learns your cleaning habits and recognizes your voice. You can create personalized cleaning schedule with the help of Alexa or Google Assistant.


It can sense areas in the home that have more dirt and clean them more thoroughly than other areas.

 

Pros

  • Doesn’t need pushing or pulling or lifting
  • Powerful battery runs for 120 minutes
  • Advanced HEPA filter

Cons

  • Dust bin has a small capacity
  • Some seniors may have a problem using the technology

Vacuums for the Elderly - Buying Guide


Considerations When Choosing the Best Vacuum for the Elderly

kid-child-boy-vac

When shopping for a vacuum for arthritis sufferers, you need one that is lightweight; preferably one that does not exceed 15 pounds. If a unit exceeds 15 pounds, it needs to have the best convenience features to make the work easier for you.

Features to Look for in the Best Vacuum Cleaner for the Elderly

Type of Vacuum

Vacuum cleaners come in different types. The most popular include:

• Upright Vacuum – These are the most common types of vacuums that can clean carpets and hard floors. They are so named based on how you use them – you use them while standing. Another variation of these vacuums is a stick vacuum that comes without a bag to further make them light vacuum cleaners. These are the most common for the elderly.

• Backpack Vacuum – Avoid the hassle of these vacuums for the elderly. These vacuums have to be carried around when you are cleaning, and this is not ideal for seniors.

• Self-Propelled Vacuums – They are lightweight and easy to use. Unlike the units you push, these only need to be guided on a path, and they will clean the whole area.

• Handheld Vacuum – These are ideal for cleaning surfaces off the floor. Today, instead of a handheld vacuum, manufacturers offer upright vacuums that disconnect to form a handheld vacuum.

• Canister Vacuum cleaners – These are bagless units that contains a dust canister that empties with ease. They do not allow you to vacuum a large area as the canister has a smaller volume than a bag, but they are lightweight and great for seniors.

• Robotic vacuums – Also known as smart vacuums, these are the best vacuum cleaner for people with shoulder problems. If you cannot bend, or you do not have the energy to pull or push a vacuum, you need to set this unit to automatically clean bare floors or area rugs. However, these units are relatively expensive.

Power

Vacuum cleaners are either corded or cordless. Corded vacuum cleaners run when connected to a power outlet, and they have a long cord. These do not need to charge, and they will never go off when you are working. Again, these tend to offer more suction than the cordless units. When shopping for these units, go for one with a cord that is at least 20 feet to cover large rooms.

Cordless units come with a rechargeable battery. You can use it in and out of the house as they do not have a cord attached to them. Their portability, however, can be limited by their batteries. If the battery is weak, the unit will run less than 20 minutes. Before you get these units, ensure you check reviews to see how the battery performs.

Suction Power

A good vacuum cleaner for bad back and seniors should be one that cleans effectively in one pass per cleaning path with its powerful suction. Seniors may not have the energy to push the vacuum to attain multiple passes for efficient cleaning. Some vacuum cleaners come with different modes of operation where you can set it on low-power mode, medium-power, and high power mode.

Corded vacuums are more powerful than cordless vacuums. When a cordless vacuum offers as much power as a corded vacuum, it may not last as long as the rated battery runtime.

Handle Controls

Seniors do not have the spine to bend every time they need to operate a vacuum machine. As such, controls located on the handle are better than those on the head of the vacuum. A handle on/off switch that locks in position is better than one that has to be pressed every time during operation.

Bagged or Bagless Vacuum

A vacuum cleaner can either be bagged or bagless. A bagged vacuum sports a disposal bag that collects dirt and then you have to replace it after the cleaning session. These units are lightweight for use by seniors, but they are inconvenient when you have to replace the bag every day, or you need to buy the bag separately.

Bagless models are the best for seniors as they come with a canister that holds dirt during the cleaning session and then all you need is to empty the canister and continue cleaning. For seniors with allergic reactions to dirt, a bagless model is not ideal as they will come in contact with the dirt a lot. When shopping, ensure that the canister is easy to remove and empty.

Type of Floor to Vacuum and Versatility

Most vacuums are versatile to clean different floors and surfaces. Some, however, are engineered for specific types of floors, dirt, and surfaces. You need a device that gets the job done regardless of the type of floor, including hardwood floors, you are cleaning.

Units such as pet vacuums are great at removing pet hair from your carpet, but they are less effective for cleaning other areas. A versatile vacuum offers you value for money when you are using it. If you do not need a specialized vacuum, pick one you can use as a handheld vacuum too and one that cleans hard floors and carpets with the same effectiveness.

Full Indicator

An indicator comes in handy for cordless vacuums. It shows the level of the battery and warns you when you need to charge the unit. Without the indicator, the unit will be annoying as it might switch off when you are using it. Again, without the indicator you may never know when the battery is charged, and you may leave the unit charging for long periods, which is a waste of electricity, and it shortens the life of your battery.

Storage

Some vacuums come with a retractable cord. This makes them easier to store as you deal with the cord separately. Cords can be as large as 30 feet, and, so, dealing with one away from the vacuum is a great way to store your unit. Some more advanced units allow you to press a button and the cord retracts to its storage compartment. In some units, the cord is not retractable and does not disconnect, so you have to wrap it around the unit’s head manually.

Others come with a quick-release handle so that you can store the handle separately from the head. Others still come with a handle that lays flat so that you can store the unit in a small space. Better yet, these units are great for cleaning under furniture and reach tight spaces.

Attachments

Seniors might need to do more than clean a floor with the vacuum cleaner. The right vacuum cleaner for elderly should come with attachments such as:

Upholstery tool to clean furniture surfaces and curtains

Sweep feet to clean hard surfaces

Dust brush to remove dust on surfaces

Crevice tool to remove dirt and dust on areas that the vacuum head cannot reach

Rubber bristle brush to remove loose hair from the pet’s coat

Turbo brush to clean the stairs

Conclusion

The vacuum you choose should meet the needs of the house you need to clean and be easy to use for the senior. For starters, you need the best lightweight vacuum cleaners with low profile construction. The weight should be as low as possible so that the senior can lift it when they need to store it, push, or pull. Besides, the unit might come with some convenient features such as self-propelling unit, easy to push wheels, and much more.

Your budget also determines the unit you go for. A robot vacuum, for instance, would work the best for seniors as they only need to talk to it or set it on their mobile device, and it is good to go. However, such a unit might be off the budget. As a rule of thumb, buy the best vacuum that is affordable. Compare suction power for vacuum cleaners on Amazon.

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