How To Avoid Food-Borne Illness in Seniors

Health Eating for Seniors  |  November 12, 2019

What Every Senior in Vancouver, BC Needs to Know About Preventing Food-Borne Illnesses

Food-Borne Illness | It seems that every week we can hear that someone ended up in a hospital due to food poisoning. Even in a world of increased safety and regulation, there is still a possibility that our food will get contaminated with bacteria and parasites. Fish, dairy and chicken are the foods that are most often involved in food poisoning outbreaks and even though foodborne illness presents a threat at any age, seniors are more prone to contracting it.

Seniors Are More Vulnerable to Food-Borne Illness

As we age our bodies inevitably change, starting with the immune system which gets weaker. Seniors are no longer able to fight illness as efficiently as they did when they were younger. In addition, the liver and kidneys cannot detoxify the body as well as they used to.

Meds also have something to do with this. Drugs used to treat conditions such as diabetes or heart disease can seriously affect the immune system and weaken it. Because of all these reasons, getting back on their feet after food poisoning is difficult for older adults. In fact, in senior years food poisoning can lead to hospitalization and even death.

Tips for Protecting Seniors Against Food-Borne Illness

However, there are some ways seniors can protect themselves against food poisoning.

At the Grocery Store: An older adult should never buy a damaged packaging when it comes to food, and therefore should avoid cracked jars or dented cans.  Seniors should also place raw meat in a separate bag, so it doesn’t get in touch with other foods. Paying attention to the expiration date is also a must.

Food Handling and Preparation: To avoid food poisoning, seniors should wash their hands every time before handling food and sanitize any surfaces where they will prepare their meals. Vegetables, bread, and cooked meats should not be cut on the same cutting board as raw meat. In addition, every food should be cooked safely. While ground beef is considered safe when cooked to 160 degrees Fahrenheit, chicken’s safe temperature is 165 degrees. When defrosting food, seniors should do it in the refrigerator, cold water or microwave, instead of leaving it out on the countertop.

When Eating Out:

Avoiding meals that contain uncooked ingredients is recommended. If there are any leftovers, they should be refrigerated within two hours of leaving the venue.

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Comfort Keepers® is the preferred choice for many families when arranging senior home care services for a loved one in or around Vancouver. If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help with Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care, End of Life Care, Respite Care, and much more! 

Comfort Keepers® Vancouver Can Help with Interactive Caregiving™

Comfort Keepers®’s trained caregivers help provide senior clients with the highest quality of life possible to keep them happy and healthy at home. Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs).

Our philosophy is to elevate the human spirit and our caregivers will be there every step of the way to ensure your loved one has a better quality of life. Personal and empathetic care is care that starts in the heart, and it allows us to meet our client’s exact needs. Learn more about our unique service which offers personal care, companionship care, palliative care, and end-of-life care by contacting the Comfort Keepers Vancouver office.

Comfort Keepers® Brings You The Best Home Care Assistance Right Where You Live.

Comfort Keepers® Vancouver is proud to provide home care throughout Vancouver that keeps seniors safe in their homes. We provide home care for the seniors of Vancouver and the surrounding areas of Burnaby, Langley, Maple Ridge, and Richmond please call (604) 689-8609. 

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