Food Safety For The Elderly - Preventing Dangerous Foodborne Illness

Did you know that those aged over 65 are at a higher risk of serious illness, potentially fatal, from foodborne illness?

The body undergoes certain changes as it ages, which decrease its ability to fight bacteria and toxins. Organs may be less efficient at ridding the body of foreign matter, the gastrointestinal tract holds onto food longer and allows bacteria to grow and the stomach’s natural acid production decreases, which means there is less of the acidity that kills bacteria in the intestinal tract. As well, chronic conditions like diabetes or cancer increase the risk of food poisoning.

Therefore, food handling safety is paramount when considering the care of an elderly person.

Anyone assisting in the preparation of food for a person over 65 must follow these four steps:

Clean: Wash hands, utensils and surfaces regularly because germs can spread and survive all over the place.
Separate raw meat, poultry, sea food and eggs from all other food in the fridge. These can all spread bacteria to ready to eat food.
Cook food to the correct internal temperature. A thermometer is useful for making sure something is hot enough to kill germs.
Refrigerate food promptly because food poisoning bacteria multiplies quickly between

Are you looking for a care worker close by to assist with the care of an older loved one? Careseekers can help you to find an aged care worker online in your local area. We are an independent Home Care Package provider which means that our services can be paid for using your Home Care Package funds.

To become a care or support worker, please visit www.careseekers.com.au/carer

To find aged care services, please visit https://www.careseekers.com.au/services/aged-care-workers

To find disability support services, please visit https://www.careseekers.com.au/services/disability-support-workers