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Buying Guides

Research-based guides to mobility aids and bathroom and bedroom safety products for older adults, built on maker specs and public safety guidance.

Walkers & Rollators

two older adults walking away along a gravel path in a park with autumn trees and a benchWalkers & RollatorsBest Rollator Walkers with Seats: Five Compared on Weight, Wheels and FitFive rollator walkers from Drive Medical, Medline, VOCIC and HOMLAND compared on weight limit, wheel size, seat and handle height, with how to fit one and what OrthoInfo says.

Canes

older man in a dark coat and cap walking away with a cane along a red path in a tree-lined parkCanesBest Walking Canes for Seniors: Offset, Quad and Folding Canes ComparedFive walking canes from HurryCane, KINGGEAR, DMI, Medline and HONEYBULL compared on height range, weight limit, base and folding, with how to fit one and what OrthoInfo says.

Bath Safety

metal handrail fixed to a pale tiled wall at an angle with a wall bracket and a shadow below itBath SafetyBest Grab Bars for Showers and Bathrooms: Five Compared on Size and MountingFive stainless steel grab bars from Moen, Amazon Basics and Gotega compared on length, diameter and mounting, with where to put them and the ADA numbers for size and strength.older white bathtub with a metal faucet against a tiled wall and a blue shower curtainBath SafetyBest Shower Chairs and Transfer Benches: Five Seats ComparedFive shower chairs, stools and a tub transfer bench from Medline, Drive Medical and HOMLAND compared on weight limit, seat size and height, with what MedlinePlus and the CDC say.

Toilet & Bedroom

edge of a bed with a gray pillow beside a wooden nightstand with two drawers in morning sunlightToilet & BedroomBest Bed Assist Rails for Seniors: Five Compared, with the CPSC RuleFive adult bed assist rails from Stander, Medline, Lunderg, KingPavonini and Medical King compared on weight limit, fit and safety claims, with what the CPSC bed rail standard covers.lit table lamp, a glass of water and two blister packs of pills on a marble nightstandToilet & BedroomBest Bedside Commodes: Folding, Drop-Arm and Extra-Wide Models ComparedFive bedside commodes from Drive Medical, Medline and DMI compared on weight limit, seat height, seat size and drop arms, with what MedlinePlus and the CDC say.white toilet with a closed seat against a wall in an older bathroom with a patterned floorToilet & BedroomBest Raised Toilet Seats: Risers, Handles and Bolt-on Seats ComparedFive raised toilet seats from AquaSense, HealthSmart, Carex, Vive and Bemis compared on height, weight limit, bowl shape and fit, with how to measure and what the CDC says.

Lift & Mobility

red brick archway at a building entrance with a gray ramp, black metal railings and a wheelchair symbol on the groundLift & MobilityBest Portable Wheelchair Ramps: Five Folding Aluminum Ramps ComparedFive portable aluminum wheelchair ramps from 2 to 8 feet compared on step height, length, weight and width, with the 1:12 slope rule from the ADA Standards and how to pick the length.person riding a four-wheel mobility scooter away along a gravel path with a flag on the back and tail lights onLift & MobilityBest Mobility Scooters: Five Folding and Portable 3-Wheel Scooters ComparedFive portable three-wheel mobility scooters from SuperHandy, Vive, Rascal, Hoverfly and Iris compared on range, weight limit, weight of the heaviest piece and fold, with what the FDA rule says.armchair covered with a patterned throw blanket in front of sunlit lace curtainsLift & MobilityBest Lift Chairs: Five Power Lift Recliners ComparedFive power lift recliners from MCombo, CANMOV and Flamaker compared on size, recline, footrest, heat and massage, warranty and fit by height, with how to check Medicare coverage.empty black folding wheelchair on a paved brick path in front of a dense green hedgeLift & MobilityBest Transport Wheelchairs: Folding Transport Chairs ComparedFive folding transport wheelchairs from Medline and Drive Medical compared on weight, seat size, wheels, brakes and weight limit, and how a transport chair differs from a self-propelled one.

Daily Living

close view of a person sitting on a bed wearing white socks, one with rainbow stripes at the topDaily LivingBest Sock Aids and Dressing Aid Kits: Five ComparedFive sock aids and dressing kits from RMS and Phantawell compared on what is in the box, handle length and reacher size, with what University of Utah Health says about adaptive equipment.