At ElderSavvy, we don’t just recommend products; we carefully research, evaluate, and test them with real seniors and caregivers in mind. Our goal is to ensure that every item we feature is genuinely helpful, easy to use, and built to improve daily life, especially for those dealing with joint pain, limited mobility, or age-related changes.
We believe trust starts with transparency. Here’s exactly how we choose and test the tools, gear, and comfort products you see on our site.
What Makes a Product “ElderSavvy Approved”?
To earn a spot on ElderSavvy, a product must check three key boxes:
- Easy to use — even with limited hand strength or dexterity
- Comfortable and safe — no sharp edges, tripping hazards, or awkward design
- Genuinely useful — solves a real problem for seniors or caregivers
We also give extra points for thoughtful design features like oversized buttons, non-slip grips, lightweight frames, and simple instructions.
Our 4-Step Testing and Review Process
We follow a consistent process to ensure fairness, usability, and practicality in every recommendation:
1. Research with Real-Life Needs in Mind
Before we test anything, we look at what real people are searching for. What problems are seniors trying to solve? What are caregivers asking about most? We study forums, buyer reviews, and talk directly with older adults to understand their biggest frustrations.
Then, we shortlist products that promise to solve those issues and dig into their specs, features, and claims.
2. Hands-On Testing and Trials
Whenever possible, we try products ourselves or work with testers who simulate real-life use at home. We pay close attention to things like:
- Is it easy to assemble or set up?
- Can someone with arthritis or limited grip use it comfortably?
- Does it feel stable and safe?
- Are the instructions clear and readable?
We also test products over time to see how they hold up with everyday use.
3. Reviewing User Feedback and Complaints
We read hundreds of customer reviews (the good and the bad) from verified buyers across Amazon and other retailers. We look for patterns in both praise and complaints.
For example:
- If a grab bar is popular but frequently mentioned as hard to install, we’ll flag that.
- If a seat cushion reduces back pain for most users, we’ll explain how and why.
This helps us spot flaws and hidden strengths that don’t show up in product descriptions.
4. Senior-Focused Criteria Checklist
Every product goes through our internal checklist designed for senior usability. Some of the questions we ask include:
- Is it lightweight and easy to move?
- Can it be used without needing to bend, twist, or reach far?
- Are the buttons, handles, or grips large and easy to hold?
- Is it durable and worth the price?
Only products that pass most or all of these checks make it into our buying guides.
What We Don’t Do
- We don’t accept paid placements or “sponsored” listings just to feature a product.
- We don’t write reviews based solely on manufacturer descriptions.
- We don’t recommend anything we wouldn’t trust for our own families.
Our reviews are 100% editorially independent, and we only earn a small commission if you choose to buy through a link on our site, at no extra cost to you.
Real-World Focus, Not Just Specs
We’re not engineers, and most of our readers aren’t either. So we don’t just list specs and features, we explain what they actually mean in real life.
For example:
- A 20-lb lift chair sounds light, but we’ll tell you whether it’s actually manageable for an 80-year-old.
- A kitchen gadget may be dishwasher-safe, but is it easy to clean by hand? We check.
We focus on usability, comfort, and practicality because that’s what really matters day to day.
Why It Matters
Choosing the right product can make a big difference. The right cane can prevent a fall. The right recliner can ease back pain. The right reacher can help someone dress without needing assistance. That’s why we take our testing process seriously, because real people are counting on us to get it right.
How We Keep ElderSavvy Free
ElderSavvy is reader-supported. That means when you buy a product through one of our links, we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.
These commissions help us:
- Keep the site free to access
- Spend time testing and researching products
- Avoid ads or paid placements that could affect our recommendations
We only recommend products we truly believe in, ones we’ve researched, tested, or would confidently suggest to someone in our own family. Your trust means everything to us, and we’ll always prioritize honesty over hype. Read our full affiliate disclosure here.
Have Questions or Suggestions?
We’re always open to feedback from readers, caregivers, and seniors themselves. If there’s a product you’d like us to test, or if you’ve had a great (or not-so-great) experience with something we’ve reviewed, we’d love to hear from you.
📩 Contact us here and let us know how we can help.