Food is essential for living. Whatever we take in our body can either make us healthy or sick. The only problem is that when we grow older, our body would need a different kind of nutrition and our options will become slimmer. For example, senior patients would have a strict diet as per doctor’s advice since their immune system and their stamina would need to receive the adequate nutrients as they are more vulnerable to sickness and food poisoning.

As one of the non-medical home care agency, Optimum Care Home Care Services also provides meal preparation services for the elderly. Thus, we are very keen when it comes to the food that we serve. Moreover, we also took note of some foods that are prohibited by those who have weakened immune system, those with serious health conditions and even pregnant women and children.

• Soft cheeses

  We do not recommend eating mould ripened cheese like brie, camembert, blue cheese and other unpasteurized cheese. These cheeses contain less acid and moisture compared to normal cheeses. Their composition is quite risky for older people because their immune system are not as efficient as before, thus making them more susceptible to food poisoning and other viruses to grow. But when these soft cheeses are cooked, they can be eaten in small amounts.

• Raw Eggs

  We advise that you do not feed your patients with foods that contain raw and undercooked eggs like mayonnaise or those with hollandaise sauce because they might be sensitive about the ingredient or it increases one’s risk of salmonella virus. So if you have to prepare a meal with eggs in it, always make sure that the eggs are well cooked until the whites and yolks are solid.

• Raw or undercooked meat and poultry

  Barbecues, steak and other undercooked meat might not be good for you. We understand these could be your favorite dishes but when we reach a certain age, we just cannot risk our health anymore. Rare or undercooked meat can harbour not just unhealthy fats but they may also have in them different poisoning bugs like salmonella and E.coli. However, the good news is that you can still have a little slice of that sumptuous steak as long as it is cooked well without the traces of pink.

Have you been feeding your patients the right way? You might want to check the fridge and restock it with the right foods like fruits and vegetables and other things that your patient’s doctor recommends.

If you want a professional’s advice on meal preparation, let our healthcare staff at Optimum Care Home Care Services, a non-medical home care in Optiz Boulevard Woodbridge VA. For more information visit www.optimumcarehomecare.org or call us at 703-490-8003.