Reaching for a small switch in the dark, then fumbling with it, is a real nuisance. It is harder still with arthritis, weak hands, or limited fine motor control.
A touch lamp turns on and off with a simple tap. Some also let you change how bright or warm the light is.
If your lamp is not a touch lamp and you simply wish your wall switch controlled it, here is a way of moving a lamp to a different outlet without rewiring.
This article covers touch lamps that make lighting easier to control, for reading, puzzles, or getting around at night.
Best Touch Lamps for Seniors & the Elderly
In this article, I explore the more senior-friendly touch lamps out there. This list of touch lamps considers the lighting requirements of seniors, eye care and comfort, and overall design.
Any of these lamps benefit individuals whose fingers may have lost some of their nimbleness.
Touch Bedside Lamp With Charging Station
My favorite COZOO 3-Way Dimmable Touch Lamp feature is its blue light pole.
The blue night pole acts as a night light for seniors who wake up frequently during the night, letting them adjust to their surroundings. But, it’s not so bright as to disturb their sleep either.
A unique selling point of the COZOO 3-Way Dimmable Touch Lamp is its blue light pole. The blue night pole provides ample light when you wake up in the middle of the night.
Eyes are quicker to adapt to blue light after waking up than bright white light. Because of this, the blue light from the pole is handy for the elderly who frequently wake up at night.
On the other hand, the light from the pole is dim enough for users to sleep through the night with the light left switched on.
Light from the lamp is 3-way dimmable to meet different lighting modes. Additionally, it comes with shades that soften the light, further protecting the eyes of your elderly loved one.
Finally, the touch-sensitive control buttons are backlit to make it easy for the elderly to control the lamp in the dark.
Other notable features include 3 USB ports and 2 AC outlets, a fire-resistant, hardened plastic outer shell, and an inbuilt multi-protection system that protects the lamp and its circuitry from overcurrent, short-circuiting, and overloading.
TaoTronics LED Desk Lamp
This touch lamp is a great choice for seniors who need supplemental lighting while working at a desk. It’s also a great choice for a computer work area or home office where mail is read, bills are paid, etc.
The TaoTronics LED Touch Lamp is perfectly designed for ardent readers. For starters, the lamp emits bright light for reading.
Plus, the bulb produces that comfortable, flicker-free light I’ve discussed in other recommendations. As such, your elderly loved ones can read in comfort. If you read in bed and want something small, the Gritin clip-on book light is another comfortable option.
After reading, the lamp can help them create the perfect ambiance in the room. With seven brightness levels to adjust, you can adjust the lighting in your room to your precise requirements.
And its adjustable design allows users to cast the light as needed. For example, the lamp’s head can swivel 90 degrees and tilt 135 degrees, while its base can swivel 45 degrees and tilt 150 degrees.
All of these adjustability options allow your loved one to install and use this lamp in their bedroom, office, living room, or anywhere they need to cast light while protecting the eyes.
Touch Control Bedside Lamp
This simple touch lamp can easily double as a night light because of the full-length shade. This keeps the bulb from shining directly into your eyes while napping or resting. It could be used in multiple home rooms due to its basic angular design.
The Seaside Village Table Touch Lamp is another dimmable lamp that your senior loved one can comfortably use. It has a minimalist design as it measures 5.12 inches wide and 14.37 inches in height.
Aside from its dimensions, its shape allows use in the living room, office, bedroom, and other locations.
But perhaps the combination of bulb and lamp control will interest most buyers. This lamp uses a vintage Edison 6W LED bulb. Producing 2700K, this bulb produces light equivalent to 60W incandescent.
The non-flickering bulb is also 3-way dimmable. So you can adjust the light intensity based on your needs at any given time.
Add the fact the double-layered linen lampshade diffuses light in just the right amount, and you can rest assured the light from this lamp will not adversely affect your loved one’s eye.
For controls, the touch feature allows users to adjust the brightness as needed with a simple tap on the side or top of the base. The USB ports are designed to function whether the light is switched on or off.
Important Lighting Tips for Seniors
You can take several steps to improve the lighting for seniors and the elderly, making it easier for them to complete their daily tasks while improving their overall safety. Here are my top recommendations:
- Choose Lights With Easily Accessible Controls. You don’t want them fumbling around in the dark for a light switch. That’s why touch lamps and motion-activated lights are such a great choice for seniors. If a favorite lamp sits where it’s hard to reach, a smart plug that lets a lamp be moved without rewiring can save the walk across a dark room.
- Use Night Lights In The Main Areas. If you or your senior loved one tends to wander at night, ensure the path is lit well at all times to prevent a fall or injury. See my guide to night lights for seniors for more information.
- Have a Back-Up Plan For Power Outages. Seniors should always know where to get light during a power outage. Have battery-powered lamps and lanterns available and check them periodically to ensure they work – before you need them.
- Use Task-Specific Lighting Choices. Choose the appropriate lighting for the situation to avoid lighting up the entire room or home. Reading in bed? Use a bedside lamp or clip-on light. Working at a desk? Use a desk lamp with adjustable brightness settings, etc.
- LED Lights Save Energy and Money. Because LED lights use much less energy, they are less expensive to operate. This is really important for lights that are kept burning 24/7.
- Let the Sun Shine When You Can. No light is brighter than our own sun, so use that to your advantage. Place your favorite reading chair next to a south-facing window (if you are in the northern hemisphere – reverse it if not) to maximize your sun exposure.
Conclusion
If you are taking care of an elderly loved one, there is no better lighting fixture you can buy for them than a touch-controlled lamp. Touch lamps are easy to use and enhance your loved one’s independence, something they cherish and love.
