Meal preparation

NDIS Core support

Help with planning, preparing and cooking meals, either by supporting the person to cook or by preparing meals for them.

The short answer

Meal preparation is help with planning, preparing and cooking meals, either by supporting you to cook or by preparing meals for you.

About Meal preparation

Preparing meals involves many steps: planning, shopping, chopping, cooking, serving and cleaning up. If any of these are difficult, a support worker can step in. They might cook with you so you keep your skills, prepare meals in advance for the week, or cook for you when you are tired or unwell.

Nutrition matters. If you have dietary needs, allergies or a medical condition, a dietitian can provide guidance that workers should follow. Workers should also respect your preferences, culture and religious requirements, and be aware of food safety.

Many people want to build their cooking skills rather than hand over the task. Support can be arranged to teach recipes step by step, using safe equipment and adapting tasks to what you can do. It can be a rewarding way to gain independence.

Who is this service for?

People who find planning, preparing or cooking meals difficult and would like support with it.

What a typical session looks like

A meal preparation session may involve planning what to eat, shopping for ingredients, cooking, serving and cleaning up. Depending on your goals, the worker might cook for you, cook with you or teach you to cook yourself. They follow your preferences, dietary needs and any advice from a dietitian or speech pathologist.

The atmosphere matters. Cooking together can be a pleasant part of the day and a chance to learn, and a worker who is respectful of your tastes and culture makes the food more enjoyable. Where you need it, the worker also pays attention to kitchen safety, hygiene and food storage.

Who delivers this support

Meal preparation is provided by support workers, domestic assistance workers and, for some people, home care services. Occupational therapists can help with kitchen setup and safe ways of cooking, and dietitians advise on nutrition. Ask whether the worker has food safety training and experience with your dietary needs.

How to choose a provider

Questions to ask a provider

Common mistakes to avoid

Getting started

  1. Decide which meals you want help with and how often.
  2. Talk to your provider about your preferences and any dietary needs.
  3. Agree who does the shopping and how it is paid for.
  4. Review after a few weeks and adjust.

How it fits with the rest of your plan

Meal preparation links with nutrition, household management, shopping and independent living. For some people it is about health, and for others it is about learning skills and independence. Meals may be prepared on the day or made in batches, and delivery services and ready-made meals are also options to consider.

Eligibility

You can use NDIS funding for Meal preparation if it is included in your NDIS plan. The NDIS funds supports that are reasonable and necessary: they relate to your disability, help you pursue your goals and represent value for money. Not sure whether it is in your plan? Check your plan, or ask your planner, Local Area Coordinator or support coordinator. You can also arrange it privately.

Funding

Core supports help with everyday activities and are usually the most flexible part of an NDIS plan. If Meal preparation is in your plan, it is normally paid from a Core budget. Your plan shows how much you have and how it can be used. Many NDIS supports have price limits, so ask providers for a quote and check it against the current NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits. Whether your plan is managed by the NDIA, by a plan manager or by you, ask for a written quote and a service agreement before you start. If your plan is plan-managed or self-managed you can use providers who are not registered with the NDIS. If it is NDIA-managed you generally need a registered provider.

What it costs

Supports such as Meal preparation that are funded by the NDIS are paid at rates that follow the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits, which the NDIA reviews regularly. Many items have a maximum price, and some prices are higher in remote areas. Before you start, ask for a written quote that lists each support, the hours and the price, and check it against the current NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits on the NDIS website. A provider may charge less than a limit. If you pay privately, the provider sets its own fees. Plan-managed and self-managed participants can also use providers who are not registered, and those providers set their own prices.

Domestic assistance providers on the NDIS register

15,318 NDIS providers list domestic assistance supports on the NDIS Commission register of registered providers. A register listing shows what the register says, not who has capacity.

Providers listing domestic assistance

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Checking credentials

Regulation and safeguards

NDIS providers and their workers must follow the NDIS Code of Conduct, and registered providers are regulated by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.

Related services

Frequently asked questions

Does a support worker cook for me?

It depends on what you want. A worker can prepare meals for you or support you to prepare them yourself, depending on your goals and abilities.

Can support include shopping and planning?

Often, yes. Many people get help with planning meals, shopping and kitchen safety as well as cooking.

What about special diets?

Tell your provider about any dietary needs or allergies. A dietitian can give advice where needed, and workers should follow any plans they are given.

Can a worker cook meals for the whole week?

Often yes, if agreed in advance. Ask about storage, labelling and reheating.

Can I learn to cook with support?

Yes. Many workers teach cooking skills step by step.

How do I make sure meals suit my dietary needs?

Provide the details and any dietitian advice so workers follow it closely.

Can a worker prepare meals that suit a special diet?

Often yes, if they have been given clear information and the right training. A dietitian can write down the requirements so that the worker can follow them.

Can I learn to cook with the support of a worker?

Yes. Many people work with a worker on cooking skills, starting with simple recipes and building confidence.

Are ready-made or delivered meals an option?

For some people, yes. They can be a good backup or main option, so ask the provider or your dietitian about what would suit you.

Can I use my NDIS plan to pay for Meal preparation?

If Meal preparation is in your NDIS plan and is reasonable and necessary for you, then yes. Check with your planner, Local Area Coordinator or support coordinator. You can also arrange it privately.

How do I find a Meal preparation provider near me?

Browse providers on SolDirectory, or send a free enquiry with your location and what you need and suitable providers will review it. Then ask each one about availability, a quote and a service agreement before you decide. Details come from providers and registers, so confirm them directly.

Sources and further reading

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