Introduction
In order to live a more independent lifestyle, many senior citizens are choosing to put in some home renovations, or even downsizing. Sometimes these decisions can lead to increased mobility and decreased pain. One way that seniors can continue living independently is by using lightweight vacuum cleaners and good ceiling & floor fans.
Many people are moving into their retirement years, and the elderly population is on the rise. As a result, there is a growing need for lightweight vacuum cleaners appropriate for an older person’s needs.
But what’s the best vacuum cleaner? Well, that depends on your budget and home needs. If you have a lot of pets that shed heavily every day or you have to clean high-pile rugs often in order to keep allergies at bay, then you may need to spend more money for bags and maintenance. The best vacuum cleaner for the elderly should be lightweight and easy to use. This post discusses a variety of products that meet these requirements.
What Is A Lightweight Vacuum Cleaner?
A lightweight vacuum is meant for the elderly or others with mobility impairments that need to clean their floors on their own without too much strain. Typically these machines are designed with less power but more maneuverability, which makes it easier to push across floor surfaces like carpeting or tile without too much frustration. They also require less physical effort than most vacuums, which can make them an attractive option for those who want to clean up after themselves but don’t have the strength anymore.
Types of Lightweight Vacuum Cleaners for the Elderly
1. Handheld Vacuum Cleaners
These lightweight vacuums work with a hose that allows you to move around your home and clean different surfaces. They range from about 3 pounds (1.4kg) all the way up to 10 pounds (4.5kg). Some handhelds have excellent suction for hard floors and low-pile rugs, but others are just ok at best, sometimes even lacking suction on some types of carpets.
2. Cordless Vacuum Cleaners
Cordless vacuum cleaners work on battery power, so they’re generally lighter than their regular brethren. However, their battery life can be shorter, so they require more frequent charging in order to retain full functionality while cleaning.
3. Stick Vacuum Cleaners
These lightweight vacuums are the most compact and easy to store, but they may not have enough suction power or a long enough battery life for bigger messes. Most stick vacs come with attachments that can be used to clean hard-to-reach places, like under furniture and in corners.
4. Canister Vacuum Cleaners
Canister vacuum cleaners are some of the most powerful vacuum cleaners you can buy. Usually, they weigh about 15 pounds (6kg) and up, so they’re not considered lightweight by most standards. They usually work with bags, and the filters must be changed often to keep allergen levels in your house at a good level.
5. Corded Vacuum Cleaners
Corded vacuum cleaners are designed for heavy-duty cleaning and are typically heavier than their cordless brethren. This type of vacuum cleaner usually requires a lot of floor space to work properly and has bags that can hold more dirt than the stick vacuums do.
6. Stick Vacuum Cleaners for Pets
Most stick vacuums for pets are lightweight enough to be used by elderly people but can still handle hair from short-haired dogs, long-haired cats, rats and hamsters that shed a lot every day. As with regular stick vacuums, it’s a good idea to get one that comes with pet attachments to clean hidden corners.
7. Handheld Dust Mop Vacuum Cleaners
These lightweight vacuums use a mop attachment (that is often interchangeable with a dusting attachment) that can be used wet or dry. They usually come with an extension wand and cleaning cloths to make tackling messes easier, but they’re not suited for large-scale cleaning of high-pile rugs or carpets.
8. Canister Vacuum Cleaners for Pet Hair
Pet hair tends to cling onto carpet fibers, so it can be hard to remove without using cleaners and sticking vacuum attachments to refresh them every few weeks. Canister vacuums for pets are designed to quickly remove dirt and pet hair with less hassle than regular vacuum cleaners. They can be used as often as necessary without having to worry about getting your home dirty again in a few days.
9. Electric Handheld Vacuum Cleaners for Pet Hair
Electric handheld vacuums marketed for pet hair usually work like cordless vacuum cleaners do when it comes to maneuverability, but they tend to have more suction power, especially when it comes to picking up fine particles of dirt, like the type that accumulates on hardwood floors and tiles. These hand vacuums can be purchased in many different sizes, from under $20 to over $200.
10. Cordless Vacuum Cleaners for Pet Hair
These lightweight vacuum cleaners usually come with a variety of accessories that are intended to tackle pet hair, including a rotating brush attachment, a pet head/tail attachment, and a pet hair module. Many of these products allow you to clean your carpets at the same time you’re removing animal hair from them if you want. They work well on high-pile rugs and upholstery as well as carpets and tile floors. They generally cost between $150 and $300.
11. Canister Vacuum Cleaners for Allergies
If you have allergies or asthma and get sick easily whenever you come into contact with dust and animal hair, then canister vacuums may be your best bet. They’re heavier than stick vacuums, but the extra weight comes with added power that can be used to clean up heavy messes quickly. They also offer bags that can be replaced when they’re full, which prevents allergen build-up and makes it easier to keep your home clean at all times.
12. Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaners for Allergies
These lightweight vacuum cleaners are designed to handle any type of flooring and most types of carpets as well as tile floors.
Conclusion
If you’re shopping for an elderly person, take into account that you don’t need to buy the heaviest or most expensive vacuum cleaner out there. Instead, look for a vacuum that is lightweight and easy to push around, takes little space to store, and has attachments for different types of messes. Most importantly, make sure it’s comfortable to use . Through our research, we have found the best brand and product for you.