Bedroom Clocks for Seniors: Best Types, Brands & How to Choose (2024)

Walking into your parents’ bedroom and seeing a large, old-fashioned alarm clock on the bedside table can be a bit jarring. It’s not that you don’t appreciate the nod to nostalgia, but you can’t help but worry about how easy it is for them to see the time — and whether they’re using the alarm function at all. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best types of bedroom clocks for seniors, as well as tips on how to choose the right one for your loved ones.

Types of Bedroom Clocks for Seniors

While most facets of bedroom clock design are universal, no matter your age, there are a few design choices that can make alarm clocks more functional for seniors in particular. Because of the degenerative nature of aging, some seniors suffer hearing loss, vision loss, and fine motor skill deterioration. Finding an alarm clock that compensates for those losses will make it easier for elderly adults to live independently and navigate their day-to-day lives. Here are a few types of bedroom clocks well-suited for use by seniors:

• Medical Reminder Alarm Clocks – The benefits of medical reminder alarm clocks can’t be overstated, as they can prevent missed or doubled-up doses of medications. These alarm clocks are designed for seniors with chronic health conditions who need to take medication at specific times throughout the day. Medical reminder alarm clocks typically have large, easy-to-read displays and multiple audible alarms that can be set for different times of day.
• Alarm Clocks for Fine Motor Skill Impairment – Many seniors suffer from arthritis or other conditions that make it difficult to use small buttons and dials. Easy set-up alarm clocks have larger displays and buttons, as well as voice-activated controls, so that seniors can easily set the time and alarms without having to fiddle with tiny buttons.
• Alarm Clocks for Hearing Impairment – As we age, it’s not uncommon to suffer from hearing loss. To make sure your elderly loved ones can hear their alarm clock, look for one with an extra-loud ringer, a visual alarm that flashes a bright light, or a vibratory alarm that buzzes when it goes off for the profoundly deaf.
• Alarm Clocks for Vision Impairment – If your elderly parent is beginning to lose their vision, it’s important to find an alarm clock with high-contrasting colors and large, easy-to-read numbers. Some clocks also have Braille displays to make them usable for seniors who are completely blind.

Best Brands & Models of Bedroom Clocks for Seniors

There are countless bedroom clocks on the market, many of which are specially designed for usage by seniors. Here are a few of our favorite alarm clocks for elders.

The Sonic Alert Sonic Bomb Loud Alarm Clock – An excellent, loud alarm clock for those who are hard of hearing. The alarm combined with the bed shaker feature ensures that even the deepest sleepers will be woken up. This clock is easy to use and set up and can be plugged into the wall or use battery power.

The Med-Q Digital Pill Box Dispenser – This clock is both a timepiece and a reminder to take one’s medications. With a built-in pill organizing box and lights to indicate what medicines need to be taken, this alarm clock will help its users to take their medications exactly when they need to.

The Travelway Home LED Clock – For a clock without any fancy features, look to this clock. Featuring a large red LED display, users will easily be able to see the time, and that’s that. This bright display of this clock can even be used to help see in the dark if they need to get around at night.

Where to Buy Bedroom Clocks for Seniors (online & in-store)

Once you’ve decided on the type of alarm clock that will best suit your elderly loved one’s needs, it’s time to start shopping! If you’re looking for the most convenient option, you can find a wide variety of bedroom clocks for seniors online. For the largest selection, try shopping at major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, or Target. If you’re looking for a more specialized clock, like a medical reminder alarm clock, you can find those for sale at pharmacies like Walgreens or CVS online or in person.

If you need an alarm clock for parents who are blind or deaf, you may need to look at a medical supply store to find a braille alarm clock or an alarm clock that vibrates and flashes instead of beeps.

How to Choose the Best Bedroom Clocks for Seniors

When choosing an alarm clock for an elderly loved one, it’s important to keep their individual needs in mind. If they suffer from hearing loss, vision loss, or fine motor skill impairment, look for a clock that compensates for those impairments. Consider the size of the display, the contrast of the colors, the ease of use, and the loudness of the alarm before making a purchase.

Think about how your loved one will be using the alarm clock. If they need to take medication at specific times throughout the day, look for a medical reminder alarm clock. If they have difficulty hearing or seeing, choose an alarm clock with an extra-loud ringer or a bright, flashing light. And if they have difficulty using small buttons and dials, look for an alarm clock with voice-activated controls or large, easy-to-use buttons.

It’s also important to consider where you’ll be placing the alarm clockin your loved one’s bedroom. If they have a bedside table, make sure the clock is small enough to fit comfortably without taking up too much space. If they don’t have a bedside table, look for an alarm clock with a built-in nightlight so they can easily see it in the dark. your decision on where to place the clock will also depend upon how good their mobility is, as you don’t want them to struggle to reach an alarm clock across the room if they have difficulty walking.

Lastly, take a look at the overall design of the alarm clock. While function is more important than form, it’s still important to choose an alarm clock that your loved one will be happy to look at every day. If they prefer a modern aesthetic, look for an alarm clock with a sleek, minimalist design. If they prefer something more traditional, look for an alarm clock with a wood or metal frame.

Conclusion

With so many different types and brands of alarm clocks on the market, it’s important to do your research before making a purchase. Consider your loved one’s needs, where you’ll be placing the clock, and how they’ll be using it before making a decision. With a little bit of planning, you can find the perfect alarm clock to help your elderly loved one live independently and navigate their day-to-day lives.