Summary & Highlights
1. Look for space heaters with features such as an automatic shut-off to prevent overheating, tip-over protection, or an adjustable thermostat to prevent overheating.
2. Make sure the space heater is the appropriate size for the room and has enough wattage to heat the space so the user doesn’t have to get close to it.
3. The best space heater for seniors and the elderly is the Dreo Portable Space Heater while the easiest to use is the Vornado MVH Vortex Heater.
It’s difficult to keep homes at a comfortable temperature during the cold season.
Feeling cold is a common complaint of aging. Often this is a side effect of medication or a symptom of different ailments.
The cold weather poses an especially high risk to seniors and can cause increased pain for people living with arthritis.
That’s why it’s important for them to have a way to stay warm all winter long.
While space heaters are a reliable way to bring some extra heat into a home, they can also be dangerous.
And seniors are also at a higher risk of injury or death in a fire.
Some space heaters can cause burns if they’re accidentally touched. If someone forgets to turn off a heater, it could even lead to a fire.
(See our fire safety tips for seniors and the elderly for more information.)
Thankfully, several heaters on the market address these safety concerns.
The Best Heaters for Seniors and the Elderly
If you’ve been searching for safe heaters for the elderly, these are a few products you’ll want to take a closer look at.
This electric space heater has five settings, meaning users can easily adjust the heater and find the right temperature. It even includes fan settings!
The heater can be activated with a push of a button, but it also comes with its own remote control. Seniors with mobility issues can easily turn the heater on and off without getting up.
The device is designed to automatically turn off if it’s overheated and will shut off if it’s tipped over.
These safety features can significantly increase the risks of having a space heater in the home. This heater also has a timer, which means you can specify when you want it to shut off ahead of time.
Because this is a ceramic heater, it’s less likely that users will accidentally burn themselves if they come into contact with the device.
In fact, thanks to the remote control, it’s possible to use this device without touching it at all.
This heater is designed to be quiet, which means it shouldn’t disturb anyone that is sensitive to noise.
Vornado MVH Vortex Heater
Vornado MVH Vortex Heater with 3 Heat Settings, Adjustable Thermostat, Tip-Over Protection, Auto...
Many space heaters on the market produce intense heat, which is one of the things that makes them a risk.
This heat operates in a different way.
It uses vortex air circulation to distribute heat throughout a room. Many heaters on the market are dangerously hot to the touch, but this heater will be cool even when used.
The device also has other built-in safety features, such as tip-over protection and automatic safety shutoff.
It has an internal thermostat, which allows it to function like a larger heater. Users can specify the temperature they want to keep the room at, and the heater will turn on and off as needed.
Even though this heater doesn’t take up a lot of space, it can heat both small and medium-sized rooms.
The device is quiet, even when it’s in use, and it has three different heat settings. It’s a heater that gives users much control over their comfort.
This miniature heater is highly portable, so seniors can always keep it nearby. It’s lightweight and even comes with a handle, so it can easily be carried from one room to another.
This is a durable heater that uses PTC ceramic heating tech. The material that the heater is made from is fire retardant, which means that the risk of a fire is much lower than it would normally be.
It also has tip-over protection and will automatically shut off if the device is overheated, making it a safe device for most households.
In addition to these appealing safety features, this device is extremely easy to use! The knob at the top of the device makes it easy to adjust.
Even though this is a smaller heater, it can heat rooms up to 200 square feet.
Dr. Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater
Dr Infrared Heater DR998, 1500W, Advanced Dual Heating System with Humidifier and Oscillation Fan...
If you’re searching for a heater to warm up larger spaces, this device from Dr. Infrared is perfect.
This low-noise heater is very powerful and can easily heat any room in the house. The device has a built-in electronic thermostat and can keep rooms at temperatures as high as 86 degrees.
This device has the kind of built-in protections that seniors need, like tip-over protection and automatic overheating shutoff.
Because of the device’s design, it’s also easy to avoid accidental burns. Only a small portion of the heater gets hot when it is in use.
Since this heater comes with its own remote control, seniors with mobility issues can adjust temperature settings without any problems.
The device comes with a lifetime filter, which means it doesn’t require much maintenance or upkeep.
EconoHome Wall Mount Space Heater Panel
EconoHome Wall Mount Space Heater Panel - with Thermostat - 400 Watt Convection Heater - Ideal...
This flat, energy-efficient heater avoids many of the problems associated with space heaters.
Since it’s secured directly to the wall, you don’t have to worry about the heater tipping over or causing other problems while it’s in use. The heater ignites using minimal radiant heat.
EconoHome’s panel is an excellent option for seniors with respiratory issues. Heaters often make the air dry, which can cause irritation. This heater won’t cause dust to circulate around the room and won’t dry out the air in the home either.
Because of how this heater is designed, it can be left operating and unattended at any time. This heater is completely safe to use and can also reduce energy costs.
Additional accessories like the heat guard accessory can make this device even more effective.
The Happy Heat Rechargeable Electric Hot Water Bottle is a cost-effective and safe alternative for seniors who struggle to stay warm and need relief from aches and pains. Instead of using electric heaters, this product provides hassle-free, long-lasting heat with none of the risks.
Benefits:
- Easy to use: No boiling water or cumbersome heating pads necessary, just plug it in and you’re ready to go.
- Long-lasting heat: Gives up to 5 hours of soothing warmth, keeping seniors cozy throughout the night.
- Lightweight and portable: Weighing only 3 lbs, it’s easy to carry around the house or take with you while traveling.
- Cost-effective: Much cheaper than using electric heaters, and safer too.
Drawbacks:
- Charging time: Some seniors may find the charging time to be a bit lengthy.
- Too hot on some nights: The heat level may be too high for some elderly users, especially during warmer weather.
- Delicate cover: Users must be careful not to accidentally cut or damage the soft cover when using the product.
The Happy Heat Rechargeable Electric Hot Water Bottle is a great solution for seniors who need a little extra warmth. It’s a convenient and safe alternative to electric heaters, providing long-lasting heat that’s perfect for keeping you cozy throughout the night. Plus, the lightweight design makes it easy to take with you wherever you go.
This electric hot water bottle is also great for therapeutic use. Whether you’re dealing with arthritis pain, sore muscles, or menstrual cramps, this product can provide relief and comfort. Its soft, comfortable cover adds insulation to shield the skin from direct heat, ensuring a pleasant and soothing experience. Plus, the auto shut-off feature prevents overheating, giving users peace of mind while using the product.
So if you’re looking for an affordable and safe way to stay warm, the Happy Heat Rechargeable Electric Hot Water Bottle is a great choice. It’s perfect for seniors who need some extra warmth and therapeutic comfort, and it’s sure to become an essential part of your daily routine.
How to Use Space Heaters Safely
The TODAY show made the following video with lots of great tips for safe heater use:
Using Safe Heaters for Seniors
Choosing a safe heater for seniors is important, but it’s also essential to use it properly.
For example, heaters shouldn’t be placed on tables, cabinets, or carpeting; this can increase the fire risk!
Don’t plug other electrical devices into the same outlet as a heater.
As long as you’re willing to take those basic precautions, you should be able to use these heaters without any issues.
Heaters can be incredibly helpful to seniors, which is why it’s worthwhile to take the time to find a safe and efficient device!
