According to the FDA, food safety precautions are especially important for seniors or those who prepare food for seniors.
People aged 65 and older are
more susceptible to foodborne illnesses, and often suffer more dangerous side effects when they contract a foodborne infection. Many seniors have chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer or arthritis that can make food poisoning, foodborne viruses and infections like meningitis much more dangerous. These conditions can also weaken the immune system, making it easier to contract a foodborne infection.
Seniors may also have a
decreased sense of taste or smell, which compromises their ability to evaluate the freshness of the food they’re eating.
Additionally, our organs become less able to rid the body of toxins, harmful bacteria and pathogens as we age. As a result, contracting a foodborne illness is more dangerous, even life-threatening, for senior adults than it is for younger people.
Certain foods require extra care during storage or preparation to help seniors avoid foodborne pathogens:
Other foods that
carry a risk of foodborne illness include hot dogs, dry sausage and deli meat that isn’t reheated after refrigeration, Pâtés and unpasteurized fruit and vegetable juice.
The following precautions are vital for seniors when preparing their own food and for caregivers when preparing food for older adults:
Many seniors struggle to go grocery shopping, cook for themselves or safely store food in their homes. This makes it difficult for them to maintain a healthy diet or practice healthy eating habits. It also increases the likelihood of food storage and preparation mistakes, such as consuming old or expired foods, or preparing food in unsafe ways.
An in-home caregiver can help prepare safe, healthy food for seniors that follows all safety protocols. This includes helping seniors shop for, store and prepare foods in safe, healthy ways.
If you’re concerned about food safety for yourself or a senior loved one, First Choice Senior Care can help.
Contact us today to learn more about our in-home assistance services in Little Rock and surrounding areas.
Co-Owner, First Choice Senior Care
Kayla Stephens is the co-owner of First Choice Senior Care. She grew up in Northeast Arkansas, and has worked in rehabilitation, hospice care, managed nursing homes and a large home care agency. She has received several awards for sales and quality achievements in hospice and long-term care.
Kayla believes in advocating for and educating seniors and their families on a variety of topics and issues that impact them. Reflecting on the need for an independent home care provider interested in quality over quantity, she chased her dream of building her own company that would make a significant difference in the lives of seniors, providing a much-needed service in her own local community.
Kayla holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Arkansas State University, is licensed by the state of Arkansas as a Long-Term Care Administrator, and is a Certified Senior Adviser.
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