Keeping Seniors Safe in the Time of COVID-19

With COVID-19 hitting senior citizens harder than any other demographic, senior living communities find themselves on high alert. It’s not just that residents of these facilities are at risk—staff members are also at risk of contracting and spreading the virus. That means kitchen staff needs to exercise more caution than ever to ensure the food they serve to vulnerable seniors is safe.

So, what can management do to ensure food and resident safety? It can consider investing in the following safety measures:  

Food Safety Labels

When it comes to ensuring the safety of food, food safety labels provide one of the most effective options. Automated labels created by the DateCodeGenie®, for instance, can include prep dates, ingredient lists, use-by dates, and the names of staff members who created the labels. These highly legible labels help kitchen staff organize inventory and uphold the standards set by the Department of Health. They also help cut back on food waste, which saves money.

Tamper-Evident Labels

SecureIt™ tamper-evident labels use a strong adhesive and unique cut marks that break if tampered with by a person delivering the food. Sealing to-go bags and orders delivered directly to residents with tamper-evident labels provides an extra level of safety and peace of mind.

Food Safety Training

Senior living communities can also ensure food safety by training staff members to properly handle food. Consider food safety training courses as an investment in the health of your residents. Even for experienced staff members, refresher courses offer new information or reminders about hygiene, cross-contamination, proper food temperatures, allergen awareness, and more. Having a knowledgeable staff can help save lives.

To learn more about how NCCO can help kitchen staff at your facility keep its residents safe and healthy, check out our line of food-safety products.