Meals under Support at Home
Meals sit in the Everyday Living stream. Three patterns are common. A support worker prepares meals in the participant's home. A delivered meals service drops chilled or hot meals daily. A combination of meal prep and shopping support.
- Everyday Living stream, contribution applies
- Three patterns: in-home prep, delivered meals, or hybrid
- Special diets must be requested in writing and recorded in the care plan
- Cost varies. Delivered meals usually $12 to $18 per meal
In-home meal preparation
A support worker shops and cooks in the participant's kitchen. Suits participants who enjoy meal choice, fresh food, and a familiar routine. Usually 60 to 90 minutes per session at a personal care or domestic rate.
Delivered meals
Chilled or hot meals delivered by an approved service. Suits participants who prefer minimal household disruption or live alone. Many providers integrate Meals on Wheels style services and charge them to the participant's quarterly budget.
Hybrid meal support
A combination of fresh meal prep two or three times a week with delivered meals for the other days. Often the most cost effective approach for participants at Levels 3 and above.
Keeping meal costs under control
- Compare delivered meal prices per unit, they range widely between services
- Use in-home prep on the days that suit and delivered meals for the rest
- Ask whether a weekly plan attracts a discount over ad hoc ordering
- Check that a special diet is not adding an avoidable premium