Preventing Foodborne Illnesses In Senior Years

Health Eating for Seniors  |  November 12, 2019

What Every Senior in Victoria, BC Needs to Know About Avoiding Foodborne Illness

Preventing Foodborne Illnesses | Despite increased food safety regulations, foodborne illnesses are still a major health risk, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting that they affect almost 48 million people in the US every single year. The most common culprits are fish, dairy, and chicken, combined amounting to nearly 40% of all cases of foodborne illnesses in the nation.

Seniors are at a higher risk of developing foodborne illnesses and they often need much more time to recover than younger adults. Older adults are more prone to foodborne illnesses due to weakened immune systems and other bodily functions as well as prolonged medication use that just decreases the body’s natural defense against illnesses of any kind.

Tips for Seniors: Preventing Foodborne Illnesses

While contracting foodborne illnesses in senior years can be very dangerous, there are fortunately ways to prevent their development. Here are some recommendations from the US Food and Drug Administration when it comes to purchasing foods at the grocery store:

• Do not buy products with damaged packaging like dented or leaky cans or cracked jars
• Place meats and seafood in separate bags to avoid their juices dripping onto other food
• Always look at the product dating and do not purchase foods that are nearing their expiration dates

Here Are Nine Useful Tips for Food Handling and Preparation:

Tip #1:

Always thoroughly wash hands with warm water and soap for a minimum of 20 seconds before handling any type of food

Tip #2:

Sanitize surfaces that come into contact with food

Tip #3:

Wash fruits and vegetables with water

Tip #4:

Separate meats and seafood from other foods to prevent cross-contamination

Tip #5:

Use separate cutting boards for raw foods and other types of food (veggies, bread…)

Tip #6:

Use a food thermometer to make sure your food is properly cooked

Tip #7:

Make sure that your fridge’s temperature is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit at all times

Tip #8:

Place perishable foods in the fridge within 2 hours of cooking

Tip #9:

Only thaw food in the fridge, cold water or microwave

How to Keep Seniors Safe While Eating Out:

• Do not order foods with uncooked ingredients
• If you do not like the look of your food, ask to have it sent back
• Place any leftovers in your fridge within 2 hours of leaving the restaurant

At Comfort Keepers® Victoria we feel that home is the best place to be.

If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help with 24-hour care, overnight care, respite care, senior care, companionship care, end-of-life care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, senior living transition services, and much more! 

Comfort Keepers® Victoria provides in-home elderly care services

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

Comfort Keepers® Victoria in-home caregivers can help with Interactive Caregiving™

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 respite care, overnight care, personal care, companionship care, palliative care, and end-of-life care by contacting the Comfort Keepers Victoria office.

Comfort Keepers® Victoria is proud to provide senior care and home care services to keep seniors safe in their homes.

If you are searching for home care near me, Comfort Keepers® Victoria can provide home care for the seniors of Victoria and the surrounding areas of Colwood, Saanich, Sidney, James Bay, and Oak Bay. Please call (778) 265-5999 and learn how your loved ones can receive compassionate, professional in-home care.

Quality and Accredited Respite Care for British Columbia Families

Comfort Keepers® Victoria 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 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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