Protecting Seniors from Foodborne Illness

Health Eating for Seniors  |  September 15, 2021

What Every Senior in Vancouver, BC Needs to Know About Preventing Foodborne Illness

Foodborne Illness | In light of recent safety measures and regulations shaped by the global pandemic, reducing the threat of bacteria, viruses, and parasites contaminating our food has become more important than ever. However, contracting foodborne illnesses remains a widespread occurrence. According to Statistics Canada, 1 in 8 Canadians are affected by a food-related illness every year.

Although foodborne illnesses are no laughing matter at any age, older adults are often more exposed to developing food-related health issues and typically need more time to recover.

Why Seniors Are More Vulnerable to Foodborne Illness?

Numerous changes associated with the process of aging contribute to a gradual weakening of the immune system. For this reason, the body’s natural defense system is no longer as efficient in fighting off illnesses as when we were younger. At the same time, vital organs such as the liver and kidneys are working at reduced capacity and need more time to break down and get rid of toxins from the body.

Another problem stems from prescribed medications most seniors have to take to keep chronic conditions under control. Many meds for common conditions such as type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular diseases have side effects that can further deplete our immunity. Because of all of this, recovering from any kind of food poisoning is much harder for seniors.

Tips for Protection Against Foodborne Illness

Preventing foodborne illnesses is rather simple. In most situations, seniors only need to use common sense. Likewise, it is also important for older adults to stay informed and incorporate certain changes into their everyday lives. Consider the following:

At the grocer’s – Advise your loved one to always inspect the packing and expiration dates on perishables before purchase. Raw meat, seafood, and poultry should be carried in a separate plastic bag so that the juices from these products don’t mix with other groceries in the cart.

Handle and prepare foods responsibly – Fresh fruit and vegetables should be properly washed before chopping or preparing. Needless to mention, hands should be thoroughly washed with soap and warm water before touching any food. To avoid cross-contamination, it would be also wise to use different cutting boards for different produce. Checking the internal temperature of cooked food with a special food thermometer is also a good idea. After meals, remind your loved one to put all perishable foods back into the fridge.

When eating out – Seniors might want to avoid ordering foods that may have any uncooked ingredients when eating outside their homes. These are usually easy to spot on the menu, but it is always best to check with the waitress or waiter, just to be on the safe side.

Comfort Keepers® is the Best Senior Home Care Provider in Vancouver, BC

When it comes to arranging senior home care services for a loved one in or around Vancouver, Comfort Keepers is the preferred choice for many families. 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. 

Comfort Keepers® Vancouver has been accredited with Exemplary Standing with Accreditation Canada. Accreditation is an intensive process in which industry experts examine an organization’s processes, policies, and procedures against a set of quality standards. To achieve accredited status, Comfort Keepers offices met or exceeded the rigorous standards for Home Care companies, as defined by Accreditation Canada. 

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