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Aged care meal support

Fresh meals cooked at home for older Australians

In-home cooking support for Home Care Package, CHSP, and private clients who want fresh meals, practical help, and real human connection.

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I Hate CookingCook preparing fresh food in a home kitchen

Who we support

Meal preparation that supports independence

I Hate Cooking provides in-home cooking and meal preparation services for older Australians who want fresh meals prepared in their own kitchen, not reheated meals delivered on a tray.

Home Care Package clientsMeal preparation support arranged with provider approval.
CHSP clientsPractical cooking support where funding and provider processes allow.
Private clientsFlexible in-home cooking for people who prefer to pay privately.

Why it helps

A warmer alternative to meal delivery

Meal delivery can be convenient, but many older clients value freshness, choice, routine, and the company of a real person in the home.

Fresh meals in your kitchen

Meals are prepared from scratch using real ingredients, then portioned, labelled, and stored ready to heat.

Choice and familiarity

Clients can choose meals that suit their appetite, preferences, dietary needs, and familiar eating habits.

Connection and routine

For many clients, the conversation and reliable visit are just as valuable as the meals.

For many families, knowing meals are taken care of brings real relief. The service reduces the day-to-day worry about food, nutrition, shopping, and cooking.

Families and carers

Support for adult children and family carers

Many clients are supported by family members who are balancing work, parenting, distance, and care responsibilities.

Meals ready to go

Fresh meals are cooked, portioned, labelled, and stored so the client has practical meals ready for the week.

Less organising

There is less pressure on family members to coordinate shopping, cooking, and repeated food reminders.

More relationship time

Families can focus more on connection and less on logistics around daily meals.

Funding

How aged care funding works

We are not yet a registered aged care provider, but we work closely with providers across Australia. Your provider manages the funding and pays for approved services on your behalf.

  1. 1Confirm provider approvalSpeak with the provider or care coordinator to confirm meal preparation can be included in the package.
  2. 2We provide required detailsWe can provide service information, quote details, and supporting documentation where needed.
  3. 3Assist with sourcing the groceriesOur shopping team makes the process very simple.
  4. 4The cooking service is delivered at homeOnce approved, your cook prepares meals in the client's kitchen and leaves everything ready to heat.
  5. 5Provider payment is arrangedThe provider pays for approved services on the client's behalf according to their process.

Funding note

Because aged care provider processes can involve extra paperwork, we prefer a three-visit commitment where possible.

Choosing a service

Which cooking service is best?

Most aged care clients choose a Mini Cook, but the best option depends on appetite, household size, funding, and how much variety is needed.

Mini Cook

Recommended for most aged care clients

Three dishes prepared, with a minimum of 15 serves. Ideal for one or two people, smaller appetites, or a lighter regular service.

Full Cook

More variety and volume

Five dishes prepared, with a minimum of 25 serves. Suitable for larger households or clients who want more meals between visits.

Private payment

When funding is not enough

Clients can make a personal contribution or book privately. We confirm costs up front and avoid surprises.

Before the first cook

What helps the visit run smoothly

Kitchen readiness

Please have a clean kitchen, clear bench space, a working oven or oven-free request, and onsite parking.

Dietary requirements

Share dietary requirements in advance so we can plan suitable meals and substitutions.

Kitchen challenges

We regularly work in a wide range of kitchens. If you are unsure, send a photo and we will guide you.

Custom meals

Off-menu cooking may be available depending on cook preference, location, and the recipes required.

Food and safety

Dietary needs and cook standards

Dietary requirements

We can support gluten free, dairy free, low FODMAP, diabetic friendly, keto, low carb, vegetarian, vegan, post-bariatric, AIP, GAPS, and other requirements where practical.

Qualified cooks

Our cooks hold food handling certification, follow food safety legislation, are covered by public liability insurance, and police checks are available on request.

Availability

Is this service available in my area?

We operate across mainland Australian capital cities and many regional areas. If we do not currently have a cook nearby, we will do our best to find one.

Check availability

Use the service areas page or contact us and we will check whether a cook is available locally.

New locations

We regularly source cooks in new locations and expand into regional areas.

Provider support

Providers and coordinators can download referral resources or submit a referral for a client.

Next step

Get a quote

Open the quote form below and tell us about the client, location, provider process, and preferred cooking support.

Referral

Submit a referral

Use this form when you are referring on behalf of an aged care client or provider.

Ready when you are

Need help choosing the right service?

Check availability, contact us, or send through the referral details and we will help confirm the best next step.

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