It’s so easy to forget what is even in the fridge. That’s even more likely for your elderly family member if she’s not going through some foods as quickly as she used to. One option is to keep opened foods in clear storage bags or clear airtight containers. That helps to protect the foods and keep them fresher but also leaves them visible so they’re not forgotten.
Your senior’s fridge and freezer need to be set to optimal temperatures in order to keep food from spoiling. If you’re not sure whether the thermostat on her fridge and freezer are accurate, using fridge thermometers helps you to get an accurate reading. Leave one each in the freezer and fridge and check periodically that they match the settings on the fridge and freezer. This is something that elder care providers can help your senior to keep up with regularly.
There are several different kinds of dates on food containers, including “best by” and “use by” dates. These dates aren’t always easy to understand because the terminology is so different for each type of date. Freeze meats one to two days after purchasing it and pay attention to quality changes in foods. Buying meats that are close to their “purchase by” date can get your senior a great deal, and freezing those meats as soon as she gets them home ensures that they’ll last.
Frozen foods, particularly fruits and vegetables, are packaged at the height of their freshness. One caveat is that you want to check the labels for any added salt or sugar that could have been part of the packaging process. Going with frozen fruits and vegetables ensures that your senior doesn’t have to worry about them going bad before she eats them. Frozen vegetables and fruits are great in smoothies, and they don’t even need to be thawed first.
Bread goes bad really fast, especially if your elderly family member doesn’t go through a whole loaf very quickly. Freezing half a loaf at a time is a great option, especially if she keeps the other half in a bread box. This can help your elderly family member to avoid having any portion of the loaf go bad before she eats through it.
Bulk buying is often recommended as a great way to save tons of money on groceries. But for seniors who live alone, this can mean ending up with a lot of food that is going to take a long time to eat. Some items may still be good to buy in bulk for your senior but think those purchases through carefully.
Home care providers can help your senior with all her grocery shopping needs, too, taking even more pressure off of your elderly family member when it comes to stocking her fridge and pantry.
If you are considering home care in New York City, NY, for an aging loved one, please contact the caring staff at Touching Hearts At Home of NYC today at 212-201-6139.
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