Our featured picks

Stardrix ADA-Compliant Phenolic Folding Shower Seat

Dr. Nina Blachman, a geriatrician at NYU Langone Health, said shower chairs can prevent slips and falls during bathing. There are many variations available to buy, but according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), compliant models must be able to hold up to 250 pounds, have a rectangular or L-shaped seat (depending on the shape of the shower) installed onto walls and be foldable.

This Stardrix model can withstand up to 400 pounds, boasts a waterproof phenolic top that’s easy to wipe clean and is made with long-lasting stainless steel. It comes with mounting hardware like screws, a wall bracket and mounting flanges for seamless installation.

Raemnaky Store Stainless Steel Grab Bar

“The bathroom is statistically the most dangerous room in the house,” Blake Watson, the owner of Age-Proof Homes said. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cautions that the highest rates of injuries were those occurred in or around the tub or shower (65.8 per 100,000). Because of this, Watson recommends installing grab bars throughout the area. “They are the necessary equipment needed to prevent you from falling to the ground,” he said.

My mom bought a few of these ADA-compliant bars because they look the most “normal” to her — they resemble typical stainless steel towel holders — and they come in different sizes, like 12-, 18- and 24-inch options. She bought a 24-inch bar and a two-pack of 12-inch bars to fit around her bathing space. They blend in well, and she said they’ve saved her from a few scary slips inside the shower.

Maz-Tek Plug-in Motion Sensor Lights, 2-Pack

The experts I spoke with said that to prevent falls, slips and bumps that might cause injuries, obstacles throughout the home must be easily visible at all times, especially when it’s dark at night. Jess Donovan, a board-certified specialist in geriatric physical therapy at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, recommends investing in sensor lights to boost visibility.

“There are many low-cost, plug-in options that are movement-activated, so if you need to get up in the middle of the night for any reason, they can illuminate the floor without having to turn on all the lights,” she said. This pack of two has three lighting modes, including an automatic setting that turns the lights on if motion is detected within 15 feet; they shut off after sensing 20 seconds of inactivity. Plug them into your bedroom, hallways, bathroom and kitchen to light up your most-used walkways.

Drive Medical 2-in-1 Raised Toilet Seat

My mom has arthritis and experiences a lot of joint stiffness, especially in her knees and hips. Her foot surgery made it more challenging to squat, so she added this raised toilet seat to her bathroom for assistance. She said the side bars and secure locking fit are her favorite features. Though she still has to bend down a bit, this addition limits her range of motion to a more attainable angle and allows her to sit comfortably.

Similarly, Blachman said raised toilet seats can be helpful for those who may have trouble standing up from a seated position, since you don’t need to use as much lower-body strength to boost yourself upright.

Cosy Homeer Nonslip Stair Treads, 15-Pack

If you have uncarpeted stairs in your home, Blachman advises adding treads to each step to prevent slips. With a 4.7-star rating and more than 2,000 perfect reviews, this washable option is worth investing in. Best of all, no tools are required to apply them: Simply peel and stick each adhesive strip to your steps. Choose from nine colors and eight options to personalize it to your home’s decor and setup needs.

Ring Battery Doorbell (2024)

Watson said video doorbells allow seniors to vet strangers from the safety of their favorite chair via an app. My mom likes her Ring Battery Doorbell in particular because of it has two-way talk and motion detection features. She especially relies on it during the workday because she can’t always step away from her desk to check if packages have been delivered.

It was easy for her to secure this Ring model to her door: She bought the brand’s no-drill mount and had the adhesive holder in place in minutes. It’s been about a year, and she’s had no issues with removing the doorbell for charging or cleaning.

Amazon Echo Dot Max

My mom uses the Alexa Echo Dot Max daily to keep track of her grocery list and stay on top of physical therapy appointments. She also pays for Alexa Emergency Assist monthly, which allows her to reach response agents or emergency contacts should she need them. “Smart speakers or emergency call buttons worn around the neck are helpful in case of emergency,” Blachman said.

CNN Underscored senior deals editor Rikka Altland tested this model and said that, alongside the added peace of mind that smart speakers offer for emergencies, they allow you to control smart home accessories like LED lights, deadbolts and thermostats with your voice for extra convenience. “Instead of having to walk all the way to your front door to check if it’s locked or get out of bed to turn on the air conditioning, summoning a voice assistant such as Alexa can accomplish the same feats with just your voice,” she said.

Cabinet Parts Double Drawer Roll-Out Cookware Organizer

Making your kitchen more accessible can make all the difference in daily life. Watson recommends adding pull-out drawers to cabinets because they eliminate some of the need to bend and reach, thus minimizing the risk of back injuries. Jolin Polasek, founder and owner of Sage Organization & Design, previously recommended this roll-out organizer for anyone looking to add custom built-ins to their storage. She said the fitted, two-tiered system is a “sleek way to file pans and lids.”

Amico Single Pole Light Switches With Wall Plates, 30-Pack

For functional lighting, Watson recommends rocker light switches so people with arthritis or who have limited dexterity can easily bump them on and off. “Rocker light switches are definitely easier to use than traditional toggles because they can be switched on/off with your elbow or whatever you’re carrying,” CNN Underscored home and gifts editor Amina Lake Patel said. “They’re also much more modern-looking. Plus, interior designers often recommend new outlet covers and switches as a small upgrade that makes a big difference in your home’s look.”

These rocker lights come in large packs of up to 50, allowing you to replace every switch in your home for under $75. They have an Underwriters Laboratories (UL) certification, meaning the switches meet strict standards for fire, electrical and mechanical hazards

Read more Bernie blowback: How Sanders’ primary endorsements have sparked a Democratic midterm war

Kidde Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector

Smart smoke detectors like this Kidde device send automated alerts to family members’ phones when unhealthy air quality is detected so they can check in with their loved one to make sure they’re OK or provide additional assistance. Watson is a fan of this kind of notification system, which also connects to the Ring app for even more convenience.

“I’ve tested multiple smart home smoke and C02 detectors in the past and find them to be well suited to seniors and their unique challenges,” CNN Underscored testing writer Alex Rennie said. “Many utilize voice commands instead of (or in combination with) loud beeps, providing specific instructions on what to do should an emergency occur. Some also have the ability to send mobile notifications to friends, family members or out-of-house caregivers, which could be a huge benefit for those with mobility or accessibility issues.”

Want the latest discounts?

CNN Underscored scans thousands of products every hour, so you don’t have to.

Summer Cartwright is the health and fitness editor for CNN Underscored. She’s an RRCA-certified running coach, four-time marathoner and a certified cycling instructor.

Read more Mamdani says he’s still looking into arresting Netanyahu if Israeli leader visits New York