Meal Delivery for Seniors
Unpacking the leading meal delivery solutions in New Zealand for our cherished senior
Having meals delivered to your place provides a number of advantages. Often the meals are cooked with the specific nutritional needs of the elderly in mind, ensuring a balanced intake of nutrients. Of course the primary benefit is that you will not have to cook everyday and can look forward to variety in your meals. There are plenty of options for all needs, some are government subsidised while others you will have to pay the full amount. You can always try the different options out and see what is best for you. The meals can come ready to eat, or a set of ingredients that you can put together to create a nice meal for yourself and everything in between. Have a read through and look at the different options below.
Meals on Wheels
The Red Cross provide a Meals on Wheels service to people who are unable to cook for themselves.
The aim is to provide healthy meal every weekday to people all around New Zealand. They have over 3,000 volunteers out on the roads delivering hot lunches to people who have a disability or ongoing health problems.
They have been doing it since 1950’s and it is more than delivery service, they provide regular social contact and an opportunity for someone to check that everything is OK.
To get Meals on Wheels you’ll first need to speak to your GP or other health professional. They will let you know if you are eligible for the service, and will make any necessary arrangements. The Red Cross is not part of any decision making process around eligibility, so the Red Cross is not able to receive individual requests for this service.
If you have a disability or ongoing health problems, you can ask for an assessment from your doctor to see if you can get help with your diet, cooking, meals or shopping for food. The help the government can provide includes:
- getting meals delivered, e.g. Meals on Wheels
- preparing meals, for example a caregiver helps you prepare food or makes sure you have food for the day
- shopping for essentials or special food you need, for example a caregiver may take you shopping or do the shopping for you
- seeing a specialist if you need a special diet.
Ready to Heat Meals
Ready-to-heat meals are a very convenient option. These meals are typically fully prepared and just require reheating using a microwave, oven, or stovetop. They are perfect for seniors, they offer the benefits of a home-cooked meal without the labor and time involved and cleaning involved.
These meals are designed keeping nutrition and taste in mind, often curated by chefs and nutritionists. They come sealed, ensuring freshness, and can be stored in the refrigerator for a specified duration. For seniors with mobility issues or those who simply desire a quick, wholesome meal without the lengthy preparation, ready-to-heat options are a useful option.
A number of companies provide this service and can deliver fresh or frozen meals. Check out below for some of the options in your area.
Ingredient kits or meal kits
Ingredient kits, often termed as “meal kits,” provide a simple way to get a variety of meals into your diet. They typically provide a lot of variety of culinary experience. They provide all the ingredients required to prepare a specific dish, pre-measured and portioned, along with detailed cooking instructions. This system is ideal for those who enjoy the act of cooking but want to bypass the hassle of meal planning and grocery shopping. It’s a blend of convenience and hands-on preparation. For seniors who see cooking as a therapeutic or enjoyable activity, meal kits can offer the joy of making a meal from scratch without the overwhelming aspects of prep work. Additionally, they offer an educational aspect, introducing individuals to new recipes and cooking techniques they might not have tried otherwise. If you are interested in meal kits have a look below to see some recommended companies that offer them.