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September is National Food Safety Education Month, a time to highlight how important safe food practices are in protecting health. While food safety may seem like a small detail, for seniors it can make a major difference. A simple mistake—such as leaving leftovers out too long or undercooking a meal—can lead to illness that older adults may have a harder time recovering from.
For families in Hudson, Solon, and nearby communities, food safety is not just about avoiding stomach trouble. It’s about helping loved ones stay healthy, strong, and able to enjoy meals as a source of comfort and connection.
Why Seniors Face Greater Risks
As people age, their bodies handle foodborne bacteria differently. Immune systems become less responsive, stomach acids decline, and chronic conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease may lower natural defenses. Certain medications can also interfere with digestion.
What might cause a day of discomfort for a younger person can become a more serious infection for a senior, sometimes requiring hospitalization. That’s why paying attention to safe food practices in senior households is so important.
The Four Basics of Food Safety
Experts often highlight four simple principles that reduce risk when followed consistently:
CleanWash hands for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food. Keep counters, utensils, and cutting boards clean. Rinse produce, even if it will be peeled.
Separate
Keep raw meats and eggs away from ready-to-eat foods. Use separate cutting boards and store raw meats on the bottom refrigerator shelf to prevent drips.
CookCheck food temperatures with a thermometer. Chicken should reach 165°F, ground meats 160°F, and leftovers should be reheated until hot throughout.
ChillRefrigerate food promptly—within two hours, or within one hour in warm weather. Keep the refrigerator at 40°F or below and the freezer at 0°F or below. Never thaw food on the counter.
Practical Challenges for Seniors
For many older adults, following these steps is not always easy. Cooking can be tiring, and complex instructions may feel overwhelming. Some seniors rely on prepackaged meals, which come with storage and reheating guidelines that are not always followed. Memory concerns can add another layer of risk.
Caregivers and family members can help by:
- Preparing meals in advance and portioning them into smaller containers
- Labeling leftovers with dates to avoid confusion
- Posting a checklist of food safety reminders in the kitchen
- Steering clear of higher-risk foods such as unpasteurized dairy, raw sprouts, or undercooked seafood
Small habits like these can protect health while making mealtime less stressful.
How BrightStar Care of Hudson/Solon Can Help
At BrightStar Care of Hudson/Solon, we understand that food safety is closely tied to overall well-being. While we are not a meal preparation service in the restaurant sense, our caregivers support families by:
- Supervising mealtimes to ensure food is eaten promptly and safely
- Providing reminders about proper storage, reheating, or cleanup
- Assisting with grocery shopping and organization so expired or unsafe items do not remain in the kitchen
- Supporting special dietary needs in line with care plans, such as low-sodium or soft-food diets
We focus on helping seniors enjoy safe, nutritious meals in a way that fits their abilities and preferences. For families, this means peace of mind that food safety is part of the daily care routine.
National Food Safety Education Month is a reminder that what happens in the kitchen has lasting effects on health. For seniors, safe meals are about more than avoiding illness—they are about maintaining independence, strength, and comfort. At BrightStar Care of Hudson/Solon, we’re here to provide the guidance, supervision, and care that keep both safety and enjoyment on the table.
BrightStar Care® is Here to Help
At BrightStar Care® of Hudson / Solon, we offer a wide range of home care and medical staffing services that enrich the quality of life for those who need care from the comfort of their home. We strive to provide the full continuum of care to our community while keeping our focus on offering a higher standard of care. Offering unparalleled support for our local healthcare system while providing a variety of high-quality, compassionate care, we work to give our clients the best lives possible while also strengthening the broader community. Contact us through our website or call 330-963-7777, so that we can help you find the right support to fit your unique needs.