The 17 Best Products to Help Older Folks at Home (2024)

Table of Contents
A quick look at the best products for seniors living independently A note on price Around the house Best doorbell camera Ring Video Doorbell 3 with Ring Chime (2nd Gen) Pros Cons Best for reaching things ZAYAD Reacher Grabber Tool Pros Cons Best for connection to the outside world Amazon Echo Show 8 Pros Cons In the bathroom Best shower grab bar Medline Bathtub Grab Bar w/Microban Pros Cons Best bathtub mat Gorilla Grip Bathtub Shower Mat Pros Cons Best shower seat Drive Medical Shower Chair Pros Cons Best toilet seat riser Vive Health Toilet Seat Riser Pros Cons Best bidet SmartBidet SB-1000 Pros Cons In the kitchen Best can opener Bartelli Soft Edge Automatic Electric Can Opener Pros Cons Best jar opener BAGTeck Jar Bottle Opener Pros Cons Best automatic stove shutoff device FireAvert Auto Stove Shutoff Pros Cons For safe sleeping Best bed rail Stander EZ Adjust Bed Rail Pros Cons Medical alert systems Best high tech medical alert system Aloe Care Health Total Care Pros Cons Best plug-in and play medical alert system Bay Alarm Medical SOS Home Pros Cons Pill dispensers Best locked pill dispenser e-Pill Voice Pros Cons Best pill dispenser for caregivers MedaCube Pros Cons Workout equipment Best treadmill Sunny Health and Fitness Walking Treadmill Pros Cons Frequently asked questions about products for seniors What products do seniors need the most? What are some innovative products for seniors? What products are trending for older folks? Takeaway References
The 17 Best Products to Help Older Folks at Home (1)Share on Pinterest

If you or a loved one wants to age gracefully in place, technology and newer inventions can provide the security and support needed. See our product picks for every room and reason.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 4 people 65 years old in the United States will live into their 90s. If current trends continue, the Pew Research Center estimates that 27% of folks age 60 and older will live alone.

Yet most homes are not designed with the needs of older adults in mind, so living independently and aging in place — alone or with a partner — takes planning. Simple modifications can often be enough to empower active older people to live and thrive safely in their own homes.

Making sure you or your loved one stays safe and connected, even when living alone, doesn’t need to be expensive. From bed rails to kitchen tools and shower seats, there are plenty of products available to help you make adjustments for a safer and easier living situation.

A note on price

The safety products on this list represent several categories that range in average prices. However, to make budgeting easier, we’ve indicated costs as follows:

  • $ = under $50
  • $$ = $50–$100
  • $$$ = over $100

Best doorbell camera

The 17 Best Products to Help Older Folks at Home (2)
  • Price: $$$
  • Dimensions: 2.44 inches (in) x 5.06 in 1.06 in 6.20 centimeters (cm) x 12.85 cm x 2.69 cm
  • Colors available:
    • silver/black
    • black

Pros

  • can be hard-wired or battery-powered to work with any home
  • features include motion detection, two-way audio, and night vision

Cons

  • setup may be intimidating for some older adults (or anyone!)
  • requires a smartphone for setup and use
  • can be vandalized and disabled

It’s no secret that older adults are often targeted for at-home theft and other crimes. When it comes to useful products for people who live alone, items that enhance security are at the top of the list.

The Ring Video Doorbell is an easy-to-use tech product that lets you see who is at your door, whether you’re home or not.

It includes two-way audio, so you can communicate with anyone at your door, whether they ring your bell or not. It also has automatic night vision, so you can see them clearly in the dark.

It can be synced to work with your:

  • locks
  • lights
  • house alarms
  • Alexa

You can use the Ring Video Doorbell with Android or iPhone.

The kit includes installation tools such as a drill bit, Philips screwdriver, and a level. You may need a power drill to install this device.

Best for reaching things

The 17 Best Products to Help Older Folks at Home (3)
  • Price: $
  • Dimensions: extends to 31 in (78.74 cm)
  • Colors available:
    • silver/black

Pros

  • 90° rotation allows for vertical and horizontal item grabbing
  • good for indoor and outdoor use

Cons

  • people with limited hand mobility or strength may find the handle challenging to grip

Older adults aging at home can enjoy heightened independence by using a grabber tool and avoid falls while reaching for something.

Falls at home can cause serious injury or death. According to the CDC, seniors fall over 36 million times a year. Some falls at home can be mitigated by eliminating the need to use:

  • ladders
  • stepstools
  • unsafe climbing devices, like chairs

This budget-friendly grabber tool eliminates the need to climb or use ladders to reach objects on high shelves.

It can also grab fallen items from the ground, like eyeglasses, books, or the remote control, eliminating the need to bend or strain back muscles.

The grip part of the jaw is non-slip and rubberized, so it will hold onto the things you grab. The ergonomic, soft-grip handle is easy to squeeze for most people. Those with hand tremors or conditions like arthritis may find it challenging to use, however.

Best for connection to the outside world

The 17 Best Products to Help Older Folks at Home (4)
  • Price: $$$
  • Dimensions: 5.35 in x 7.89 in x 3.90 in (13.59 cm x 20.04 cm x 9.91 cm)
  • Colors available:
    • charcoal
    • glacier white

Pros

  • HD touchscreen features adaptive color
  • 13 MP camera auto-frames you in a centered position
  • video calling is voice-activated through Alexa

Cons

  • may be too “techy” for some older adults
  • screen may be too small for people with low vision to use comfortably

Loneliness can beset anyone of any age, but in these post-pandemic times, one in three older adults still report feeling isolated. No device takes the place of a good friend’s company, but the Amazon Echo Show 8 can help provide a connection to others.

It features easy-to-use, voice-activated video calling to view multiple camera live feeds simultaneously. You can also use Alexa to play games, access the web, and turn on your favorite streaming service or TV shows. When nostalgia hits, use your device to scroll through photos.

Who doesn’t need help staying organized? This innovative product keeps track of your appointments and to-do list, so you won’t forget a thing. It also lets you view your front door for safety.

One-year limited warranty and servicing are included.

Best shower grab bar

  • Price: $
  • Dimensions: 9.5 in x 7 in x 19.5 in
    (24.13 cm x 17.78 cm x 49.53 cm)
  • Colors available: white

Getting in and out of the bathtub can become challenging as people age. A grab bar enables folks to enter and exit the bathtub with a larger modicum of safety, even if they use a wheelchair.

This safety rail and shower grab bar is very easy to install. It can be used on standard tubs and walk-in tubs. At 4 pounds (lbs), it’s light enough to be handled for installation by most people. However, individuals with reduced upper body strength may need to ask a relative or friend to install it.

Pros

  • easy to install
  • can be used by people weighing up to 250 lbs
  • tool free installation
  • handle is multi-layered with Microban antimicrobial protection to protect against mold, mildew, odor, and stain-causing bacteria

Cons

  • can’t be used on curved, textured, or angled tubs
  • can loosen over time and require adjustments
  • no returns

Best bathtub mat

  • Price: $
  • Dimensions: 35 in x 16 in
  • Colors available: 14 colors, including clear, black, gray, pink, and green

Adding a bathtub or shower mat that grips the floor’s surface is an easy safety fix to strongly consider, even in tubs with textured bottoms.

The machine-washable Gorilla Grip Bathtub Shower Mat is meant to be used in the tub, not outside it. It’s made from soft plastic that’s comfortable to stand or lie upon. Hundreds of suction cups ensure a nonslip surface. It also reduces mildew and mold by supporting good drainage and airflow.

Runner-ups in this category include the SlipX Essential Round Shower Mat and the Tike Smart Extra Long Bath Mat. Both of these are good choices for creating a slip-resistant surface in a shower. This is critical, as a high proportion of fall injuries (e.g., hip fractures) occur in the bathroom.

Pros

  • contains hundreds of suction cups and drainage holes
  • BPA free
  • strong gripping action

Cons

  • can’t be used on tile surfaces

Best shower seat

  • Price: $
  • Dimensions: 22.2 in length x 6.9 in width x 17.9 in height
  • Material: plastic
  • Colors available: white

Shower seats enable older people who can’t stand on their feet comfortably to sit while bathing. A sturdy shower seat can significantly reduce chances of falling while bathing.

This option has a full back and arms for sturdier support. The seat is nonslip and has drainage holes for added comfort and safety. It can accommodate folks who weigh up to 350 lbs.

Pros

  • has a back and armrests
  • powerful suction cups
  • adjustable seat height

Cons

  • takes up room in the bathtub
  • may be cumbersome to move back and forth for older people living in mixed households with several others

Best toilet seat riser

  • Price: $$
  • Dimensions: 19.25 in x 13.75 in (elongated), 22 in x 17.25 in (standard)
  • Material: plastic
  • Colors available: white

Toilet seat risers add height to existing toilet seats. This makes sitting and standing easier for individuals with reduced mobility or body strength.

The Vive Health Toilet Seat Riser adds 3.5 inches of height to your existing toilet seat. It has a compact width, making it a good choice for small spaces. Users say it’s very sturdy and easy to clean.

People who weigh up to 300 lbs can use this toilet seat riser.

Installation is tool-free.

Pros

  • can be used on an elongated or standard toilet bowl
  • fits into small spaces
  • nonslip grip base
  • padded handles

Cons

  • only comes in one color

Best bidet

  • Price: $$$
  • Dimensions: 20.6 in x 17.95 in
  • Material: plastic
  • Colors available: white

Cleaning oneself after toileting requires twisting, bending, and assuming positions that can be challenging for older folks and people with disabilities. For those with balance or strength issues, accidents can easily occur while using the toilet.

A bidet eliminates the need to clean up manually after toileting. This helps ensure safety as well as optimal hygiene.

This bidet is operated via remote control to further reduce the need to twist the body toward a control panel. It has multiple settings for water pressure, temperature, and oscillation. The nozzle can be adjusted for front or back cleaning. It also has an automatic dryer, so there’s no need for toilet paper.

Pros

  • available in elongated or round shape
  • adjustable water temperature and pressure
  • soft-closing lid

Cons

  • corded, requires access to electrical outlet
  • help with installation may be required for some people

Best can opener

  • Price: $
  • Dimensions: 3 in x 2.1 in x 7.4 in
  • Material: plastic
  • Colors available: red

Preparing food requires hand dexterity and strength. It can be challenging for older adults or folks with arthritis to open cans with manually operated can openers that require turning a handle and constant pressure.

This electric can opener by Bartelli smoothes out sharp edges on both the inside of the can and the can lid. This reduces the possibility of getting cuts. It also requires no hand pressure to operate. You attach the can opener to the top of cans of any size and turn it on by pressing a button.

Pros

  • smooths out sharp edges on the can and can lid
  • works on pull-tab cans

Cons

  • requires manual shutoff
  • may not work on dented cans

Best jar opener

  • Price: $
  • Package Dimensions: 10.98in x 4.92 in x 1.22 in (27.89 cm x 12.5 cm x 3.10 cm)
  • Colors available:
    • red/gray

Pros

  • budget-friendly
  • enables people with reduced hand strength to open most-sized jars and bottles

Cons

  • may not work on jumbo-sized items
  • only comes in one color combination

Jars and cans with pop-top lids are tightly sealed for freshness and safety. But if you have muscle weakness, arthritis, or neuropathy in your hands, they can be impossible to open.

This highly functional, three-piece set includes multifaceted tools that will let you easily open almost any sized jar, pop-top can, or bottle. Each tool supports a different type of hand motion or positioning:

  • The 4-in-1 jar opener has an ergonomic handle with a no-slip grip. It lets you open jars of all sizes, from large to bottle-cap-sized, by squeezing and turning the handle.
  • The non-slip gripper pad lets you manually open any size jar with hand-on-top positioning.
  • The vacuum-release tool lets you easily open pop-top cans with rings by gently flicking your wrist in an up-down motion.

Made from non-rust stainless steel and plastic. Dishwasher safe.

Best automatic stove shutoff device

  • Price: $$$
  • Dimensions: 7.5 in x 3.7 in x 2.5 in
    (19.05 cm x 9.4 cm x 6.35 cm)
  • Material: electrical conductor materials
  • Colors available: black

Anyone can forget they’ve left something cooking on the stove. The FireAvert’s internal smoke alarm system syncs with your home’s smoke detector. When your smoke detector goes off, FireAvert will automatically cut off the power to your stove.

This product is easy to install without tools. Three-pronged and four-pronged versions are available.

Pros

  • protects against kitchen fires
  • syncs to smoke and gas leak detectors
  • easy to install

Cons

  • works with only electrical stoves
  • won’t work in extremely humid or very dusty environments

Best bed rail

  • Price: $$$
  • Dimensions: 26 in x 22 in
    (66.04 cm x 55.88 cm)
  • Material: alloy steel
  • Colors available: black

Bed rails can help assist you in and out of bed or keep you from falling out if you’re prone to tossing and turning.

This brand features a convenient pouch for keeping items like eyeglasses and books in close reach and for freeing up space on the nightstand. People who weigh up to 300 lbs can use this bed rail.

Pros

  • compatible with twin- to California King-size mattresses
  • adjustable to several bed lengths

Cons

  • can be heavy to lift and install

Best high tech medical alert system

  • Price: $$$, monthly
  • Dimensions: multiple device packages, dimensions vary by device
  • Colors available: white

This system features a voice-activated smart hub device that connects you to a five-star emergency response center within seconds. It includes built-in:

  • temperature
  • motion
  • air quality sensors

You can set up automatic fall detection in one room — such as the bathroom — that doesn’t require the use of a worn device.

For outdoor protection, a 4G LTE mobile on-the-go smartwatch and pendant come in the package.

Caregiver tools are available through an app.

Pros

  • 24/7 emergency response monitoring indoors and outside
  • includes automatic fall detection, two motion sensors with voice recognition
  • caregiver tools

Cons

  • one-time hardware cost required
  • set up may be challenging for people who aren’t tech-savvy

Best plug-in and play medical alert system

  • Price: $, monthly
  • Dimensions: multiple device packages, dimensions vary by device
  • Colors available: white and black

Bay Alarm Medical is an established company with an excellent track record for quick response times and reliable service.

The SOS Home unit has a plug-in base station with a large help button. The system also includes a wearable help button that you can wear around the neck or wrist. The help button will operate within a range of 1,000 feet from the base unit.

Automatic fall detection is available but is sold separately.

Pros

  • can connect through a landline or cellular 4G LTE service
  • wearable help button is 100% waterproof and can be worn in the shower

Cons

  • doesn’t protect on the go
  • unit is for in-home and yard use only

Best locked pill dispenser

  • Price: $$$
  • Dimensions: 10 in x 10 in x 3 in
    (25.4 cm x 25.4 cm x 7.62 cm)
  • Colors available: white

Taking the wrong medication dose or forgetting to take a needed medication can have serious consequences. This device comes with a locked lid and key.

Each compartment can hold up to 24 aspirin-sized pills. It can be programmed to remind you to take medication up to six times daily with a light-up alarm and friendly voice reminders.

Taking the wrong medication dose or forgetting to take a needed medication can have serious consequences. This device comes with a locked lid and key.

Each compartment can hold up to 24 aspirin-sized pills. It can be programmed to remind you to take medication up to six times a day with a light-up alarm and friendly voice reminders.

When the alarm sounds for the next medication dose, the turnstile for the lid will shift to the next dose and unlock. You can simply take, flip, and palm the pills. When you set the device back down, the lid will lock in place, ready to shift and unlock for the following dose.

Pros

  • eliminates the possibility of forgetting a dose or to take a second dose
  • holds 28 days’ worth of medication

Cons

  • may be expensive for some people
  • it requires AA batteries

Best pill dispenser for caregivers

  • Price: $$$
  • Colors available: black

This pill dispenser is programmable and has an easy-to-use touch screen. Alert sounds are customized and include chimes and familiar voices. When a scheduled dose is dispensed, the device will take a picture so remote caregivers can see the dosage amount later. Caregivers also receive notifications about missed doses and low medication supplies.

The MedaCube can also dispense as-needed medication by answering prompts on the touch screen.

This device is simple to use but may be too high-tech for some older people or for folks who get confused or flustered easily.

Pros

  • customizable
  • comes assembled
  • easy-to-use touch screen

Cons

  • expensive
  • may not be a fit for people who get easily confused

Best treadmill

  • Price: $$$
  • Dimensions: 58 in x 29 in x 53 in
    (147.32 cm x 73.66 cm x 134.62 cm)
  • Material: alloy steel
  • Colors available: gray

Treadmills can be dangerous, especially if they’re accidentally set to a high speed. This low step-up treadmill has a maximum speed of 5 miles per hour, alleviating that concern. It also has an emergency stop clip. You can shop some of our other top picks for walking treadmills here.

Pros

  • easy-to-use console
  • multi-grip padded handrails
  • emergency stop clip
  • low running deck
  • floor stabilizers

Cons

  • weighs 123 lbs

What products do seniors need the most?

That very much depends on the person in question. For many older adults, a medical alert system with fall protection is the most needed product. Other practical products may be helpful, like:

  • toilet seat risers
  • safety rails
  • walking treadmills

What are some innovative products for seniors?

Today’s generation of older adults is more active than in decades past. Innovative products, including fitness trackers and at-home gym equipment, are worth considering. Hearing aids that sync up to smartphones and enable media streaming are also game-changers for many older people.

What products are trending for older folks?

Products geared toward older adults are as varied as folks can be. If you’re looking for gift ideas or simply want to treat yourself to something new, consider a trending product for seniors. These include e-readers, like Kindles, with adjustable font sizes and backlighting.

A new recliner can breathe life into any living room. If you can’t bring yourself to part with your favorite chair, but are having trouble getting out of a reclining position, consider adding a recliner riser to the chair you already have.

Urinary incontinence affects almost half of women ages 50-80 and about 35% of men. This common condition does not have to slow your stride. Products that hide odor and wetness include disposable undies, specially adapted swimwear, and incontinence management systems.

Aging in place at home is a priority for many older adults. There are products available for each room of the home that makes this reality possible for many older folks. Even so, “smart” products don’t replace a caregiver or neighbor.

If you or your loved one wishes to age in place, you can take steps to maintain social connection and keep a solid repository of good products.

The 17 Best Products to Help Older Folks at Home (2024)

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