Helping an ageing parent stay independent at home starts with listening to what matters to them. Practical support with meals, shopping, or transport can make everyday life easier while keeping your parent involved in decisions.
Start with a conversation
Ask what is going well and which tasks feel tiring or frustrating. A specific question, such as “Would help with dinner a couple of nights a week be useful?” can be easier to answer than a general offer of help. Let your parent’s preferences guide the conversation and explore options together. My Aged Care offers guidance on supporting these decisions, so you can help in a way that feels right for them.
Offer one manageable change
Start with something your parent welcomes: a shared grocery shop, transport to an appointment or help organising a delivery. Agree on what you will do, then check whether it is working well. Support can change as their needs and preferences change.
Take some effort out of meals
If shopping or cooking has become hard work, discuss options together. Your parent may want help preparing ingredients, a selection of ready meals in the fridge, or a flexible mix of home cooking and delivery.
Choose food they enjoy and check that packaging, storage and heating instructions work for them. Marley Spoon’s ready meals range includes lunches, dinners, breakfasts, soups and snacks, with no subscription or lock-in contract.
Explore support through My Aged Care
My Aged Care is a starting point for finding government-funded aged care services. An assessment determines eligibility. Depending on assessed needs, help may include meal preparation or delivery, transport and assistance with household tasks. You can check eligibility and apply for My Aged Care meal services online.
If your parent already receives Support at Home or Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) services, ask their Care Manager whether meal support fits their approved plan and budget. Always confirm provider approval and personal costs before placing a funded order.
Share the responsibility
With your parent’s agreement, involve family, friends, or community connections in practical tasks and regular catch-ups. Ask what type of contact they would enjoy most.
If you provide ongoing care, access free carer support and respite planning through Carer Gateway. Getting support for yourself makes caring far more manageable.
Find support with meals at home: Support at Home and NDIS
If you or a loved one receive government-funded support, Marley Spoon makes accessing nourishing meals simple and cost-effective. Eligible participants only cover the co-payment portion for the food itself, while home-care package funding covers the preparation and delivery:
Support at Home & CHSP: Accessible for eligible Support at Home and CHSP participants. Speak with your Care Manager, or check your eligibility via My Aged Care meal services.
NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme): Available for self-managed and plan-managed participants with meal preparation and delivery in their plan.
