Start with the room, not the bed. Richmond's housing runs from single-storey homes in Steveston and Broadmoor to newer condos along No. 3 Road and around Brighouse. In a condo, measure elevator and hallway widths before you fall in love with a frame, because a split king can save you a tight-corner headache on delivery day. In older bungalows, check the outlet situation; adjustable bases need a nearby plug, and some 1970s bedrooms are short on them.
For an older adult, we'd prioritize a retailer that understands accessibility, not just mattress sales. Ask about head and foot articulation with presets your parent can reach half-asleep, the weight capacity for their body plus mattress, and whether the base fits their current mattress or needs a new one. A wireless remote with big buttons matters more than a fancy app. And ask directly about backup power, so the bed still lowers if the power goes out during a winter storm.
Prioritize a shop that delivers, sets up, and hauls away the old frame, and that answers service calls quickly. Motors and remotes are the parts that fail, so a solid warranty on the mechanism is worth more than a longer one on the frame. Get the warranty terms in writing and confirm who does repairs locally.
Our recommendation: buy from a local retailer that installs, rather than ordering a boxed base online to save a bit. In our experience the in-home setup, fit check, and someone to call when a motor acts up are worth the higher price for a senior. The trade-off is honest: you'll usually pay more than the cheapest online option, and your model choice is limited to what that store carries. For most families here, that's a fair deal. If cost is tight, ask whether installed accessibility work qualifies for the federal Home Accessibility Tax Credit.