The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that approximately one out of every six people in the United States experiences a foodborne illness or infection each year. These illnesses and infections are caused by pathogens such as viruses and bacteria, or toxins and chemicals in food. They then create infections and other forms of illness within the body.
As a family caregiver, it is very important for you to understand that these infections are more common in elderly adults, and seniors are more likely to experience more severe consequences as a result of eating contaminated food. While many people immediately think of improperly cooked food in restaurants or foods contaminated when produced by companies, the majority of foodborne illnesses and infections actually occur within the home. Using basic food safety can dramatically reduce the risk you're seeing you will experience a foodborne infection or illness, and the potentially severe consequences that can occur as a result.
Use these tips to prevent foodborne illness and infection in the home:
-Avoid raw milk. Milk that is not properly pasteurized can contain a variety of pathogens that can lead to infection, particularly among those not accustomed to consuming it.
-Everyone who is going to come in contact with food or food-touching surfaces should wash their hands thoroughly prior to this contact and after any contact with food that can lead to contamination, such as raw meat, poultry, pork, or fish.
-Clean all surfaces that have come into contact with food with a germ-killing cleaner, such as a diluted bleach solution.
-Always wash fruits and vegetables prior to preparing or eating them. Do not rely on the heat of cooking to kill pathogens on these foods.
-Keep raw products including meat, poultry, pork, fish, and eggs separated from other foods in the refrigerator, and during food preparation. Do not place cooked items on the same surfaces as raw items have been, or put raw items where contaminating raw items have been.
-Be sure refrigerated foods are stored at proper temperatures, and within proper timeframes. Keep in mind that preparation time is included in the time frame, as is the food sitting on the table.
-Check your parent's refrigerator regularly. Discard any food that is expired, in damaged containers, or that does not look right.
-Check your parent's pantry regularly. Discard any food that is expired, in bulging or dented cans, or that is unidentifiable.
-Always prepare foods at the proper temperature. The only reliable way to do this is by using a thermometer.
Elderly care can be one of the best decisions you can make for your senior. Introducing an elderly home care services provider into your care routine with your parent it can be extremely beneficial both for you're senior and for you as their family caregiver. For your aging parent, having this type of care available means they can maintain more independence, and enjoy a greater sense of control over their life. They can enjoy more activity, experience greater fulfillment, and stimulate their mind as they also manage their health and safety needs. This can include transportation, physical mobility support, meal and snack preparation, medication reminders, assistance with personal care needs and activities of daily living, and more.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Homecare in Culver City, CA, please call Mom's Home Care and talk to our friendly, knowledgeable staff. Our number is 323-244-4789
