Elderly People and their Food Safety Concerns

   Chinese Cabbage & Pork ID: 215099
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Food safety and hygienic storage are eminent issues affecting the health of seniors. According to the Senior Health survey reports developed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), about 76 million older adults suffer food poisoning, or get ailments due to food borne diseases every year. Every year around 5000 elderly people die due to severe food poisoning problems. It is therefore extremely necessary for the caregivers at home to take special attention to maintain proper food hygiene to ensure safety of their senior relatives.  

Symptoms of Food Poisoning Evident in Elderly People

Food poisoning can result in several symptoms in the seniors including stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, constipation, vomiting, fever etc. These symptoms may appear immediately or after some hours or even days later. Generally, the symptoms of diseases may appear in few weeks or months.

Diagnosis and Treatment Recommendations for Food Poisoning

It is extremely important to consult a doctor and arrange for a medical treatment immediately if any of the above-mentioned symptoms are found. If you suspect any particular food item to be contaminated, pack it in an airtight pouch, label it and preserve in the refrigerator. Show it to the doctor to help him to diagnose the problem quickly and impart appropriate medication for faster recovery. Samples of blood and stool may be taken for laboratory tests if required. The elderly care services at home have to take the responsibility to make sure that the medicines are given as per schedule for completion of the recommended course. Failure in completing the treatment properly can lead to infection or diseases in the body.

Food Safety Measures Suggested by Academy of Nutrition & Diabetics and FDA

• Use warm water with cleaning agent to clean the utensils and cooking items such as chopping boards, knives before and after use.  
• Rinse the fruits and vegetables with fresh water several times thoroughly for proper cleaning.
• Use separate knives for cutting vegetables and fruits. Keep the other one for cutting meat, fish and other non-veg items.
• If you are washing the raw meat or fishes, then ensure that you wash the utensils properly with soap water after using to prevent spread of worms or diseases.
• Recommended cooking temperature for beef, seafood and fishes is 145 degree Fahrenheit; 160 degree Fahrenheit for eggs, pork, lamb and veal; 165 degree Fahrenheit for poultry and left over food.
• Do not thaw the frozen foods at room temperature. You can thaw them in the refrigerator or microwave. Cook them immediately to prevent staling.
• Adjust the refrigerator temperature to 40 degree Fahrenheit or below. The freezer temperature should be kept at 0 degree Fahrenheit or below.
• Do not refrigerate leftover food for more than 3 days. Use it within this period itself. Food that smells or looks good after this period is not suitable for use.
• While using packaged foods, always check the ‘use before’ or the expiry date.
• Always keep hot food at a temperature above 140 degree Fahrenheit or above and cold food at 40 degree Fahrenheit or below to prevent the growth of bacteria. 

For safety and hygiene, wash hands with anti bacterial soap before preparing food. Serve fresh foods in clean utensils and wash them after use. Professionals offering assisted care services take a note to ensure that the hands of the elderly are properly clean before eating and the food served are completely safe for the health.