Foodborne illness, also known as food poisoning, can have serious consequences for seniors. It can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. Older adults are also likely to remain sick longer, possibly needing hospitalization. It’s extremely important that older adults and those who care for them are aware of which foods should be avoided to prevent foodborne illness. A little bit of knowledge can go a long way toward protecting and preserving health and longevity. The following are a few foods that should be prepared with extra caution or avoided entirely to avoid foodborne illness.
Eggs
Although rich in protein, eggs can cause salmonella poisoning. Contamination can occur during incubation, before shells develop. This is why seniors shouldn’t eat eggs that are raw or undercooked. If you help your aging loved one with meal preparation, make sure eggs are cooked until the yolks and whites are firm.
If your senior loved one needs help preparing meals that are safe as well as nutritious, a home caregiver can be a wonderful source of support. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional elder care. Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Green Leafy Vegetables
Vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, and arugula frequently harbour bacteria if they’ve been in contact with contaminated water or animal products or handled improperly during processing. These types of leafy greens need to be thoroughly washed before being consumed.
Tomatoes
Traces of bacteria, dirt, and pesticides lodged in crevices can cause illness. Again, careful washing is important to ensure your loved one is safe from any harmful bacteria.
Older adults who need help with meal prep should consider professional in-home care. In Edmonton, senior home care providers can benefit aging adults in a variety of ways. From cooking nutritious meals to offering timely medication reminders, the dedicated caregivers at Home Care Assistance are available to help your elderly loved one 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Soft Cheeses
Brie, blue-veined varieties, Camembert, and Mexican-style queso fresco are examples of soft cheeses that can carry listeria bacteria, a germ that primarily affects older adults and those with weakened immune systems.
Raw Sprouts
Sprouts of alfalfa, mung beans, lentils, radishes, broccoli, and clover can be suffused with salmonella, and seniors should avoid eating them in raw form.
Preparing nutritious meals for an older adult can be a challenging task, especially when you have other important chores to tend to. If you’re the primary caregiver for a senior loved one in Edmonton, respite care is available when you need time away from your important caregiving duties. At Home Care Assistance, our respite caregivers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help your loved one manage everyday tasks in the comfort of home while you have the chance to take a much-needed break. To learn about our quality-assured services, give us a call at (780) 490-7337 today.