The reality of ladders remains; not all ladders are meant to be used by everyone. This statement holds true, especially for the elderly.
It is important to select the right ladder when dealing with senior citizens. This is due to the fragile nature of the old, so the right ladder is suitable to accommodate the fragile nature of the elderly. Most of these ladders include railings that will help them get onto the ladder and then to the height they need to reach.
Buying Guide – How To Choose the Best Bed Ladders for Elderly
Easy to Store
Elderly people are generally fragile. The agility and strength that once graced their youth are long gone and proper care must be taken when deciding the kind of ladder for the elderly.
Seeing as they may be incapable of going through any hassle when it comes to storage, the right ladder must be one that can be easily stored without any difficulty. This usually is a ladder with wheels that can be easily folded and rolled into a storage unit.
Quality Material
Ladders generally are fitted with strong and durable materials for them to be very effective. However, the right ladder for the elderly must also be lightweight and reliable.
Easy to Use
Simplicity is the key word when dealing with the elderly. It is important to ensure that the ladders are easy to use and do not require any fancy motion in the process of setting up. The right kind of ladder should be one with easy-to-use latches to set up and release after use.
Able to Accommodate Tools
While the youthful may be able to climb up and down when working with a ladder, it might take even more energy from an aged worker. This is why it is important to purchase a ladder capable of holding multiple tools during use. The ladder may also have a handle to hang a toolbox or a storage tray. This will make their job easier and more efficient.
Able to Provide Support
Most safety ladders come with handrails for added support. These kinds of ladders would be most suitable for the elderly. Elderly workers are provided with plenty of space, handles, or rails to hold on to or lean against while climbing. This will help them feel safe no matter how high up they climb, or how uneven the ground is.
Durable
Durability is an important factor to consider when buying any ladder. The necessity for a durable ladder becomes even more apparent when dealing with the elderly.
Buying a durable ladder will ensure that the aged users do not need to make any sudden repairs or change them for a long time. While durability is necessary to maintain the ladder’s aesthetic value, it is also necessary to ensure the structural integrity of the ladder.
Stable and Safe
Safety and stability are some of the most important qualities a ladder must possess when dealing with the elderly. While any ladder meant for use for activities that are high up must be safe and stable, it becomes even more important when you deal with the elderly.
A ladder that is to be approved for elderly use should have more than just wobble-free and non-slip features. It also should be able to offer users additional support while climbing or descending. Usually, ladders that possess quality safety rails will be ideal.
As we’ve mentioned, elderly people can lean and hold onto these rails for added support. If these rails are attached to an unstable ladder, it could lead to even worse accidents. A folding step or step ladder would be a better fit for the aged as it offers even more stability and reliability than a rung ladder.
Review of The Top 3 Best Bed Ladders for Elderly
ACSTEP Step Ladder with Handrail
Best known for its handrails support
Review
Quality Design
The overall design quality of this 3-step ladder is unparalleled. It has received approval from bodies LIKE EN131 standard and TUV with GS Certification. The folding ladder comes fully assembled by the manufacturer, so there’s no other hassle of setting up.
The overall quality of this ladder is impressive, little wonder why it’s the most sought after by the elderly. The dimensions for the small step ladder include: 14.8”X 25.3”X 34.6”H. This ladder can support a maximum load of about 330 lbs.
Anti-Slip Design and Safety
This step ladder is designed using advanced non-slip technology which is enhanced by its anti-slip treads and rubber feet. For safety, this ladder is equipped with anti-slip treads and handrails. Additionally, the metal ladders are designed using safety locks to ensure complete safety.
Additionally, the locking hole system and the rubber feet of the ladder ensure that both feet are properly planted in place. Thereby also providing foot support from heel to toe.
Space Saving and Portability
This lightweight stepladder is capable of folding up into a size that is small enough to be stored in very small spaces. Additionally, this ladder only weighs about 9.3 lbs. which is easier for elderly users to move, store, or transport.
Versatile and Multi-Use
There are several ways in which these 3 steps folding step ladder can be effectively used. It could serve as a stepping stone or chair for pets, as well as provide extra height for various tasks.
Pros
- Easy to store and use
- Comes with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Versatile use
- Capable of supporting up to 330 lbs.
Cons
- Not high enough for some tasks
RIKADE Folding Step Stool with Wide Anti-Slip Pedal
Best known for its anti-slip protection
Review
Sturdy & Stable
The ladder is manufactured using high-grade aluminum alloy. This makes it durable, resistant to rust and wear, and sturdy. As a result of its triangular support structure, this ladder is capable of supporting weight up to 330 lbs. thereby making it safer and more stable to use.
Anti-Slip Design and Wide Pedals
Each pedal on this ladder is thick and wide and also equipped with modern anti-slip technology. Elderly people can take advantage of this anti-slip design when climbing thereby ensuring that the whole process is a lot safer. Additionally, the feet of the ladder are equipped with non-slip rubber covers to guarantee stability.
Space Saving
Elderly users can fold this step ladder easily and store it without any stress. As a result of the small size, this ladder can be stored underneath a bed, sofa, or in a corner where it won’t take up space.
Multi-Purpose Ladder
This ladder serves a variety of functions. From helping out with yard work to being used in the library, kitchen, and around the house. For some with the creativity to pull it off, this ladder can also be used decoratively, to hold books, flower vases, etc. Children can also use this ladder as a small step stool.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to fold and store
- Multi-purpose functions
- Water and dust resistant
- Wide pedals, and improved anti-slip design
Cons
- The top step is quite short
- Does not come with handrails
Read More: Bed Ladders for Disabled
XinSunho 3 Step Ladder
Best known for its retracting handrail and multi-functionality
Review
Retractable Handgrip
This aluminum step ladder is equipped with either retractable handgrip thereby saving more space for storage than other ladders used in the household. Elderly users can opt for pulling out the handgrip without affecting the height of the ladder. An added layer of protection is included in the form of a safety belt which prevents the handgrip from sliding out.
Anti-Slip and Even Wider Design
Each step of the ladder features an anti-slip design and wider pedals that will ensure maximum safety while climbing. At the base, the ladder is covered with PVC material that ensures adequate protection by padding, to prevent scratches and heavy pressure on the ladder.
Security and Stability
Ladders to be used by the elderly require sufficient security and stability. This ladder fits the description perfectly with thick, standard high-strength aluminum tubing that acts as additional support. The area between the handrail and main frame is also made using high-standard aluminum alloy. This is to ensure that the ladder is stronger and more durable.
Multi-Purpose Step Ladder
The XinSunho step ladder serves a variety of purposes for the aged. This makes it a problem-solving ladder that gets the job done around the house. It is easy to store, carry, and transport and can be used both indoors and outdoors. It can even serve as a landing area for your pets.
Pros
- Easy to lift and store
- Extremely durable
- Possesses retractable handrails that also help in storage
- Can be used for various purposes
- Capable of supporting up to 330 lbs
Cons
- Absence of tool holder
Conclusion
When choosing the right ladder for the elderly, safety and stability are the major factors to look out for. You want a ladder that can remain stable and firmly planted into the ground while they make the climb. This is not to say however that other features are not equally as important. This is why you must compare the specifications of each ladder with the project to be carried out to select the best one.
Joseph is the owner of LadderGeek. He is a home remodeling enthusiast. He has created this blog to share some of his knowledge on Ladder and accessories.
