Watch for These Food Poisoning Symptoms in Seniors

By Care Street Home Care Staff | September 13, 2024 | Comments Off on Watch for These Food Poisoning Symptoms in Seniors
Home Care in South River NJ

Home Care in South River NJ

Food poisoning occurs when germs and other harmful elements are in the food we eat and get digested without us knowing it. They don’t always show up in the smell or look of the food, but hide inside the food without us knowing it. Proper care and preparation of foods that most commonly contain foodborne pathogens such as fresh vegetables and raw meat will help reduce the risk of becoming a victim of a foodborne illness, but it can’t protect someone from everything. Sometimes they still seem to sneak by all of the safety walls put up and a person gets ill from food poisoning.

Food Poisoning is Especially Dangerous for Seniors

Because most elderly individuals have a weakened immune system, either due to other health complications or just due to a slowing down of the body’s ability to fight infections, getting food poisoning can be especially dangerous. A bad bout of food poisoning can lead to severe dehydration and hospitalization for seniors. It can accelerate other health complications and create a health crisis.

Food Poisoning Symptoms in Seniors

While unpleasant, most symptoms from food poisoning are fairly short-lived. If your loved one has eaten something that contains a foodborne pathogen, you or her home care team may notice these symptoms.
Stomach pain and cramps that feel more intense than usual and don’t go away with the usual remedies.

  • Vomiting.
  • Frequent diarrhea that may contain bloody stools.
  • A slight fever along with alternating between feeling hot and cold.
  • A headache that continues as the body becomes dehydrated.

More serious symptoms may arise as well that should have your loved one seeking out medical help. If your home care provider notices any of these symptoms, they will take immediate action to get your loved one further care.

  • Diarrhea that has lasted for more than three days.
  • Excessive vomiting and the inability to hold anything down, even water.
  • A fever of 103 or more.
  • Symptoms that affect the nervous system like tingling of the skin, extreme muscle weakness, or blurry vision.
  • Confusion or the inability to think straight, as well as behaviors that aren’t normal.
  • Signs of dehydration such as lack of urination, dry mouth and lips, dizziness, and/or weakness.

In-home Care Your Home Care Team Will Provide Your Senior

As your loved one recovers from food poisoning, her home care team will be right there to help him recover safely and comfortably. A key to recovery is staying hydrated so encouraging him to continue to drink water, ginger ale or broth is a great way to gradually add fluids back into his system. And home care providers know that popsicles aren’t just for kids. They are a wonderful way to slowly add fluids and can help an aching throat if your loved one was vomiting a lot.

Lots of rest may be required as your loved one starts to regain his ability to eat so a home care provider can also help ensure that chores around the come get completed so your loved one can rest as needed as his body recovers. They can also help with any personal care needs he may have such as soaking in a warm tub or brushing out her hair. They can also play quiet games with your senior to pass the time as he recovers, making this time more tolerable.

If you or an aging loved one is considering home care in South River, NJ, please contact the caring staff at Care Street Home Care today. Call (732) 607-8870.

Care Street Home Care Staff
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