Support at Home meals explained: what’s included and how it works
7 May 2026
Key Points:
Support at Home covers meal preparation and meal delivery
You may be able to choose your own provider depending on your location
Meal delivery costs vary, while preparation may require a contribution
Contributions for meal preparation can be up to 17.5% based on your income and assessment
Meals support helps you stay independent and well-nourished
Summary:
Support at Home meal services help you prepare food at home or access delivered meals. These services support your health and independence while living at home. This guide explains what’s included, how costs work, and what to expect.
Support at Home meals help you stay well-nourished while living independently. This can include help with cooking at home or meals delivered to your door. If you are exploring aged care at home, meal support is one of the most common services.
What are meals under Support at Home?
Meals under the Support at Home program can include two types of support:
Meal preparation at home: someone helps you cook meals in your home
Meal delivery services: ready-made meals delivered to your door
The type of support you receive depends on your care plan and what suits your situation. You can learn more about in-home aged care services at Kirinari here.
How does meal support work?
Meal support is arranged through your provider as part of your care plan. At Kirinari, your care partner will help you:
understand your needs
choose the right support
organise services that fit your routine
Your plan can change over time as your needs change.
Can I choose my own meal provider?
In many cases, yes. This depends on what providers are available in your area.
Common options include:
Lite n’ Easy
Meals on Wheels
Your provider will make sure the service meets program requirements.
How do co-contributions work for meals?
You may need to contribute to the cost of meals.
Meal delivery: costs are set by the provider
Meal preparation: based on your assessment
For meal preparation, the maximum contribution is up to 17.5%, but your actual rate may be lower depending on your situation. Your Support at Home provider will explain this clearly before services begin.
What is not included in meal support?
It’s just as important to understand what is not covered. Support at Home meals do not include:
the cost of groceries or ingredients
takeaway or restaurant food
meals for other members of your household
This keeps the support focused on your needs.
Costs and considerations
Costs can vary depending on:
the service you choose
your personal contribution rate
your care plan
Your provider will explain all costs before you begin. If you’d like help understanding your options, you can speak with our team here.
When meal support can help most
Meal support can make a big difference if you:
find cooking difficult
have specific dietary needs
want to save time and energy
need support to stay healthy at home
It can also reduce stress for family members.
Pros and considerations
Benefits
supports healthy eating
saves time and effort
flexible options to suit your needs
helps you stay independent
Things to consider
some costs may apply
meal provider availability varies
availability depends on your care plan
Is meal support right for you?
Meal support may suit you if you:
want help preparing meals
prefer ready-made options
need support to maintain a balanced diet
You can explore Kirinari’s full range of home care services here.
Talk to Kirinari about your options
Understanding your options is the first step to getting the right support.
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Kirinari acknowledges and recognises people from different nationalities, cultures, and identities. We are committed to providing an inclusive environment where individuals feel safe, accepted, and affirmed.
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