Ensuring the safety of those in your care is of utmost importance. And proper food safety measures are a must for families caring for an elderly relative at home this year. Foodborne illness can pose a significant health problem that can be even more detrimental to seniors, who may have decreased immunity from those bacteria and may suffer more serious health issues when exposed to contamination.
These simple food safety tips can help protect everyone from foodborne illness and other illnesses caused by improper handling or storage of foods.
Cleanliness
Good hygiene is one of the most important tools in preventing illnesses. When caring for an elderly relative at home, families should practice good hand-washing habits before and after handling foods, especially when touching raw meat, poultry, or fish. Additionally, properly clean and sanitize any surfaces that come into contact with food. This helps reduce the risk of cross-contamination from germs and bacteria.
Cross-Contamination
Using separate cutting boards for cooked and raw foods is important to prevent cross-contamination. Ideally, each cutting board should be labeled as used with either cooked or raw foods, so they are not confused. Similarly, use separate utensils and plates when preparing cooked and uncooked food, again taking steps to avoid any chance of the two coming in contact with each other directly.
Temperature Control
Food safety is also a matter of temperature control. This becomes increasingly important for older adults who may have compromised immune systems. Perishable foods should be refrigerated promptly after being brought home from the grocery store and kept at safe storage temperatures. Additionally, warm food should remain warm (above 135 degrees Fahrenheit) and cold food must stay cold (below 41 degrees Fahrenheit). It's a good idea to periodically check temperatures either with an appliance thermometer or by tasting/feeling the temperature of chilled items before serving them.
Safe Food Storage
Proper food storage is also essential when caring for seniors at home since bacteria can quickly multiply and cause illness. Store all perishable foods in airtight containers in the refrigerator, freezer, or pantry cupboards. This helps prevent contamination from outside sources such as insects and pests. In addition, families should pay close attention to expiration dates on prepackaged foods. This helps ensure they are still safe for consumption and that no expired items remain in their kitchen.
Get Help Providing the Appropriate Level of Care to Senior Loved Ones
Caring for senior loved ones at home can be very rewarding, but it can also be highly challenging. At Senior Helpers Corvallis, we can help with a variety of senior home care services, including help with activities of daily living, help with overnight care, or simply companionship services for seniors who may grow lonely during the day.
If you and your loved one need help in Corvallis, Salem, Albany, Lebanon, Monmouth, and Molalla areas, contact us today to learn more about our in-home care services and how we can support you.