Who would imagine that getting the laundry to the washing machine could be so dangerous, but it is. A drooping sheet corner is just a stumble waiting to happen. And who can see the darned cat when peering around an armload of laundry?

Your parent doesn't need to be risking a broken leg, or worse, just because he or she would like some clean underwear.

Rolling laundry baskets are the next best thing to having an old-fashioned laundress come in to take care of the wash. Most don't take up any more space than the traditional basket on the floor of the closet. Take the basket out, roll the cart in, and your elder is good to go.

If your parent is short, be careful of getting a too-deep rolling laundry basket or she won't be able to reach the stuff at the bottom. And be sure to choose hamper materials that allow ventilation so mold won't form on damp or wet items after several days.