Hot baths provide numerous health benefits for people of any age. Soaking in a hot tub for a couple of minutes every day can improve blood circulation, alleviate aches and pains, and reduce stress levels. Although the benefits of soaking in hot tubs are often extolled, not much emphasis has been placed on hot tub safety.
At TerraBella Shelby, our team members prioritize the safety of our residents in our senior living community. Whether it’s helping your loved ones to take a bath or letting them enjoy the hot tub, we take great care to ensure that there is no risk to their health and safety. Keep reading to learn all there is to know about hot tub safety for seniors.
Check with Your Doctor
First of all, it’s important to consult with a medical doctor and find out if it’s safe for you or your loved one to use a hot tub. Those with heart conditions or breathing problems should avoid soaking in a hot tub. Soaking in hot water will cause your blood vessels to dilate and this can cause variations in your blood pressure which, in turn, can affect your heart condition.
If the doctor says that it’s safe for you or your loved ones to spend time in the hot tub, then you’re all set to go! We’re sure you and your loved ones will love the experience!
Duration in the Hot Tub
One of the secrets of enjoying a hot tub is to slowly ease into it. Start by soaking for just 10 minutes a day before gradually increasing the duration to 15 minutes, and then 20 minutes. Do note that you should never stay in the hot tub for more than 30 minutes at a time. Research has shown that soaking for 10 minutes every day is already enough to help you reap the benefits of a hot tub without putting you in any form of danger.
Install Safety Rails
Safety rails are some of the most important elements of a showering space and a hot tub. They provide support and stability for you and your loved ones when you get in and out of the tub. These safety rails should be installed at an appropriate height and made from stainless steel, so they can last a lifetime. Ideally, hot tubs used by older adults should also incorporate small stairs to make it easier to get in and out of the tub.
Ensure You Are Not Alone
Finally, make sure that you or your loved ones are never alone in the hot tubs, especially if you’re new to the experience of using one. You should have assistance with getting in and out of the tub. Also, having someone close by to adjust the water temperature if necessary as well as operate the built-in water jets, if any, is one of the good practices of keeping ourselves safe while using a hot tub. In case of an emergency, having another person around can make a big difference as he or she will be able to help you get out of the hot tub safely.
Soaking in a hot tub can provide numerous health benefits, particularly for seniors. Apart from reducing blood pressure and improving mood, it can improve your loved one’s morale and enjoyment of life.
