Best Vacuum For Seniors

Let’s find out the best vacuum for seniors.

Very few people ever look forward to vacuuming, but for seniors, the problem can be much worse than a general dislike of cleaning.

Large vacuums are difficult to maneuver at the best of times. If you’re struggling with arthritis or a lack of mobility, these heavy models can cause serious issues.

Instead of neglecting the cleaning, it’s important to find a vacuum to suit the needs of each individual.

Lightweight vacuums are no longer under powered and flimsy, and can be just what older adults need to maintain the home.

Choosing the right vacuum for seniors is about finding the balance between weight, performance, and features. In this guide, we’ve chosen our top picks, so you can find the vacuum that works for you.

Best Vacuum For Seniors

Best Overall: Shark HV302 Rocket Pet Corded Stick Vacuum

Lightweight, powerful, and oh-so easy to use, the Shark Rocket Pet Corded Stick vacuum is our top choice of vacuum cleaner for the elderly.

Weighing under 9 pounds, this vacuum can be transported around the house comfortably, with no extra strain. It’s also convertible, switching to a handheld vacuum with just a press of a button.

The Shark HV302 Rocket is designed to take the chore out of vacuuming. A low profile build helps you reach under furniture, while the hand vac and wand system can tackle ceilings and baseboards.

It can even be used across multiple surfaces. With fingertip control, you can move between hard floor and carpet mode as you clean.

Packed into a small design is an impressive amount of power, as the Shark Rocket can suction up pet fur, stubborn marks, and long hair. And when it’s time to empty, the dust cup can be removed and cleared in seconds.

The 25-foot cord length allows you to move around the house without losing power, for a thorough clean with a lot less effort.

Pros

• Swivel Steering – Navigate tricky corners easily.
• Hook Storage System – Takes up less space when not in use.
• 9 Pounds – Lightweight and convertible system that’s easy for senior use.

Cons

• Small Dust Cup – If you plan on cleaning the entire house in one go, expect frequent emptying.

Also available for purchase at Walmart and Bed, Bath & Beyond.

Best For Ease Of Use: Oreck Commercial Lightweight Upright Bagged Vacuum

It’s the simplicity of the Oreck that has made it one of our top choice vacuum cleaners for seniors.

The upright commercial vacuum is sturdy and reliable, and you can have it up and running in no time at all.

And despite the relative simplicity of design, it still packs in powerful suction to ensure your house is as clean as possible.

The Oreck Commercial Vacuum weighs only 8 pounds, making it one of the lightest upright vacuums available.

With a 12” footprint, it can navigate tricky corners and turns, and packs away into limited space when you’re done.

A 40-foot power cord allows you to cover most of the house in a single swoop, especially as the strong carry handle can be used to transport the design up and down stairs.

An ergonomic handle sits comfortably in the hand, with a convenient thumb controlled on and off switch.

For those with arthritis, the Oreck handle has received Ease-Of-use commendation from the Arthritis Foundation.

The Oreck lacks the innovation of other designs, but it makes up for it by putting user experience first.

Pros

• SaniSeal Technology – Locks the dirt into the vacuum, rather than spreading the dreaded “dust puff”.
• Microsweep Feature – Transitions from hard floor to carpet with no setting change.
• Top Fill Bag – Exceptional suction power as bag fills.

Cons

• Limited Attachments – The simplicity might not meet all your needs.

Also available for purchase at Oreck and Walmart.

Best Budget Choice: Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum

An affordable alternative to high-end models, the Bissell Featherweight Stick vacuum is an excellent choice for those who want a clean house on a tight budget.

Weighing less than 3 pounds, it’s perfect for a quick, but thorough, clean.

It isn’t just the price that makes the Bissell so desirable. This vacuum cleaner is multipurpose, converting to a handheld vacuum cleaner and a stair cleaner in seconds.

The crevice tool allows you to tackle all the small areas, while the suction is suitable for a variety of surfaces.

The Bissell does lack some power, and if you have a large house, it might not have what you need. But for regular cleans over small areas, it does the job well.

Let’s be honest: few of us look forward to vacuuming. And spending a lot of money on a chore we hate can be frustrating.

The Bissell Featherweight provides the best of both worlds. It’s low cost while getting the job done, and seniors will find the slim frame comfortable to use.

Pros

• Multipurpose – Converts to handheld and a stair cleaner.
• 3 Pounds – Weighing less than 3 pounds, it’s easy to maneuver and carry.
• Bagless – Easy to empty.

Cons

• Lacks Power – The suction on the Bissell Lightweight reflects the budget price tag.

Also available for purchase at Bissell and Wayfair.

Best For Homes With Pets: Hoover ONEPWR Evolve Pet Cordless Upright Vacuum

Able to banish pet hair in minutes, the Hoover ONEPWR Evolve is our favorite lightweight cleaner for pet owners.

The vortex suction lifts even embedded dirt and fur from carpets, allowing for a thorough clean in less time. And weighing under 9 pounds, the Hoover is lightweight and comfortable for senior use.

A cordless vacuum, the Hoover ONEPWR can be moved around the house with ease. Fully charged, the battery can run for 35 minutes, and reaches full charge in just 2.5 hours.

Holding up to 3 times more dirt and pet hair than standard stick vacuums, the Hoover ONEPWR needs less frequent emptying.

That means less time spent struggling over a trash can, which can be painful for backs and legs. Instead, you can keep on cleaning, using an on/off brush roll to travel from carpet, to hard floor, and back again.

As much as our furry friends can improve our lives, they are a nightmare to clean up after.

In the past, heavy and cumbersome vacuums were necessary to banish fur and dirt. But with the Hoover ONEPWR, you get a satisfying clean with none of the struggle.

Pros

• Antimicrobial Brush Roll & Pet Filter – Kills bacteria growth to prevent odors.
• Swivel Steering – Able to navigate furniture with minimal effort.
• QuickPass Brush Roll – Picks up surface dirt with fewer passes.

Cons

• Battery Issues – Some users have reported battery struggles within a few months of purchasing.

Also available for purchase at Hoover and Walmart.

Best Robot Vacuum: iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum

For those with mobility issues, the iRobot Roomba is the ultimate in easy cleaning.

It vacuums all by itself, picking up dust and dirt with minimal intervention. All you need to do is tell it where to go, and empty it when the job is done.

No bending, no navigating tough corners, and no struggling to carry a heavy vacuum upstairs.

The iRobot Roomba uses patented dirt detection technology to find and clear dirt from the floor. It can spot where dirt has built up, knowing to clean more thoroughly in these tricky areas.

A 3-stage cleaning system ensures targeted dirt removal, cleaning hard floors and carpets, while the Edge-Sweeping brush tackles the corners and edges.

All you need to do with the iRobot Roomba is tell it when to get started. From here, it will clean for up to 90 minutes, before heading back to the charger to refresh.

And the smart sensor technology allows it to slip under the furniture and avoid cliff edges. The Roomba even learns as it cleans, better understanding your habits and routines.

If you’re struggling to keep up with the pressure of vacuuming, an iRobot Roomba can help. It moves vacuuming into the background, making this one less chore to worry about.

Pros

• Dual Multi-Surface Brushes – Adapts the cleaning to suit the surface.
• Scheduled Cleaning – Works in the background, rather than disrupting your day.
• Patented Dirt Detect Technology – Seeks dirtier areas for a deeper clean.

Cons

• Expensive.

Also available for purchase at iRobot and Best Buy.

Buyer’s Guide

When purchasing a vacuum for a senior, there are a few extra points that have to be considered. The wrong vacuum will be uncomfortable and inconvenient to use, which can often mean the cleaning gets neglected.

Instead, you have to understand the unique needs of a senior, and how the right vacuum can be a help rather than a hindrance.

Take a look at our buyer’s guide, to get you started.

Vacuum Type

There are quite a few different types of vacuum cleaners on the market, but there are three that you’re most likely to come across: stick, upright, and canister.

Stick vacuum cleaners are typically lightweight and maneuverable, but can lack power. Upright cleaners have impressive suctions, but can be bulky. And canister vacuums can hold a lot of dirt, but tend to be awkward to use.

Within these categories, vacuums can be cordless or corded, bagless or bagged.

There are also robot vacuum cleaners, which have a small profile and clean the house without any input. These are very low effort to use, but can be expensive, and require some technical know-how.

Weight

When choosing a vacuum for seniors, weight is one of the most important considerations. A vacuum cleaner that’s too heavy will be cumbersome and uncomfortable to use, particularly in houses with more than one floor.

Lightweight vacuum cleaners make cleaning easier, and are less likely to aggravate arthritis or other conditions.

Stick vacuum cleaners are typically the most lightweight design, but upright vacuum cleaners can also be fairly lightweight. Canister vacuums are generally the heaviest.

In terms of weight, anything below 9 pounds is considered to be lightweight. A vacuum around this weight will tend to have a good balance of power and size.

If weight is a real concern, then even lighter vacuums are available. Some models can be under 3 pounds, for maximum convenience.

Maneuverability

Related to weight, maneuverability determines how easy it is to move the vacuum around. Swivel heads and vacuum cleaners that use a ball system can often be easily manipulated even by those with limited physicality.

These vacuums come with a built-in flexibility, allowing you to tackle the corners while standing still.

Suction Power

A good vacuum for seniors can’t just be easy to move. The suction power is still a key concern. Lightweight vacuums tend to lack the oomph of larger models, but that doesn’t mean they can’t perform.

Even low weight stick models from trusted brands can suck up dirt from the depths of a carpet.

For most homes, a lightweight stick model will have the cleaning power to remove dirt. Particularly if you use the vacuum regularly, which is easier with a light model that won’t cause strain.

However, if you have a couple of pets, or just one with a tendency to shed, you may need to compromise on weight for improved power.

Height

Small handheld vacuums might seem like a good choice if you’re trying to cut down on weight, but these are often uncomfortable for seniors to use.

Having to constantly bend and reach can strain the back, legs, and arms. A good vacuum for seniors will be easy to use without bending over. If you can, try and test a vacuum in store, to see how the height compares.

Handle

Arthritis can make gripping a struggle, and pushing even a lightweight vacuum when you can’t firmly grasp the handle is hard. Good handles are ergonomically designed to sit comfortably in the hand, allowing for a decent hold.

Another handle feature to look for is the power button. Some vacuum cleaners place the power button on the base or body of the machine, which can make it hard to access. With a power switch on the handle, the vacuum becomes easier to control.

Bagged Or Bagless

Bagged vacuum cleaners collect dirt in a bag, which can then be removed and thrown away.

These are more expensive to maintain, as you have to purchase new bags each time. However, they can also be cleaner, as the sealed bag goes straight in the trash, and no dirt can escape.

Bagless vacuum cleaners collect dirt in a canister, which can then be emptied into the trash and reattached. There’s often a filter that needs cleaning as well. Bagless vacuum cleaners can be messy to empty, but they’re easy to use and attach.

There’s no real winner here, as both options have advantages and disadvantages. However, it’s worth noting that lightweight stick vacuums are typically bagless.

Corded Or Cordless

Corded vacuums are traditional, and tend to be a necessity for higher powered models. However, they do present a trip hazard.

Corded vacuum cleaners plug into the mains system to power the vacuum. Cordless vacuum cleaners have a battery that needs to be charged between uses.

Cordless vacuums require a little forethought, as you have to charge them, but the lack of cord is safer for many seniors.

What Surfaces Is It Safe For?

Although there are additional considerations when purchasing a vacuum cleaner for a senior, the main function remains the same.

Don’t overlook crucial criteria because you’re too focused on the weight. Make sure to consider the floors in the house, and if the vacuum is suitable.

Many vacuums are now able to tackle both hard floors and carpets, for even easier cleaning. However, if you have particularly deep carpets, or expensive real wood floors, you may prefer to purchase a specialized vacuum.

Price

A decent vacuum cleaner can run anywhere from $30 to several hundred dollars. A higher price tends to come with better suction power and more options, but not everyone wants to pay that much for a vacuum. Set a budget before you start shopping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Vacuum Cleaners Are Best For Seniors?

Lightweight vacuum cleaners, weighing under 9 pounds, are best for seniors. These are easy to use and carry, plus modern technology allows even light models to have decent suction power.

What Is The Best Vacuum For The Elderly?

Our top choice of vacuum cleaner for the elderly is the Shark Rocket Pet Corded Vacuum. This is lightweight and powerful, with multipurpose features for better cleaning.

Other good vacuums include the Bissell Featherweight, the Hoover ONEPWR Evolve, the Oreck Commercial Lightweight, and the iRobot Roomba.

Are Cord Or Cordless Vacuum Cleaners Better For Seniors?

Cordless vacuum cleaners are often seen as better for seniors, because they present less of a trip hazard. However, they do need to be charged, and tend to lack power.

There are benefits and drawbacks to both options, so make sure to consider carefully.

Final Thoughts

Seniors will find vacuuming easier with a lightweight and easy to maneuver model. There are some great options on the market, with impressive suction power contained in a slim frame.

We hope our guide helps you find the right vacuum cleaner for you.