Supporting a Loved One? Here’s What You Need to Know.

Organising support for a loved one, such as an ageing parent, can feel overwhelming.

You may be wondering:

Are they eating properly?
Are they safe at home?
How do I organise funding?
Where do I even start?

You don’t have to figure it out alone.

At Newcastle Meals on Wheels, we support older people and their families, with nutritious home-delivered meals and friendly Wellbeing Checks.

We also offer additional Social Support, however these services are dependent on funding and availability. Learn more here.

I’m Worried My Parent Isn’t Eating Properly

This is one of the most common concerns we hear.

As people age, they may:

Lose interest in cooking
Skip meals
Eat smaller portions
Struggle with shopping or meal preparation

Our meals are:

Dietitian-designed and regularly reviewed to meet the needs of older Australians
Portion-controlled and nutritionally balanced
Available in texture-modified and smaller “Mini Mains” options
Delivered to your parent's door or kitchen table

We developed - and follow - the National Meal Guidelines in partnership with the University of Wollongong to help prevent malnutrition and support independence.

With us, you can feel confident your parent is receiving regular, healthy, and nourishing meals.

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What’s the Difference Between CHSP and Support at Home (SaH)?

In simple terms:

CHSP

Entry-level aged care support
Lower annual budget
Basic in-home services

Support at Home

Replaced Home Care Packages in 2025
Larger budget
Ongoing and more intensive support

How Do I Check What Government Support My Parent Receives?

Start with My Aged Care.

There, you can:

Help your parent register
Log in via myGov
View support details under the “Services” tab

Or you can speak with their care provider.

Or call us: we’re happy to help you understand the next steps. Phone: 02 4957 7097

There’s no obligation.

Feeling Overwhelmed?

You don’t need to figure this out alone. Call us for a friendly, no-pressure conversation about supporting your parent. Phone: 02 4957 7097

We’ll explain funding, delivery, and next steps, clearly and simply.

Who Pays the Meal Bills?

We invoice your parent directly. Invoices are issued monthly. Invoices can be paid via direct debit or credit card.

If your parent is receiving Support at Home (SaH), their provider may invoice them separately for the subsidised portion (paid from their care budget). We explain everything clearly before you begin. Read more about subsidies here.

How Quickly Can Meals Start?

In most cases, meals begin within one week of registration. Read more about how it works here.

If there is urgency - such as sudden illness or hospital discharge - we will do our best to respond quickly.

Meals are delivered:

On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays (we do not deliver on public holidays or weekends)
Between 9am and 11:30am

Every delivery includes a friendly and free Wellbeing Check.

What If Their Funding or Provider Changes?

We can help you navigate changes. If funding transitions or providers shift, we will work with you to keep everything smooth and stress-free.

Can I Speak to Someone Before Registering?

Absolutely. We understand this can feel complicated. Call us for a friendly, no-pressure conversation. Phone: 02 4957 7097 We’re here to help you support your parent safely, confidently, and compassionately.

Ready to Get Started?

Explore:

Or call us today. Phone: 02 4957 7097

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Frequently Asked Questions About Supporting a Loved One

How do I help my elderly parent who lives alone?

Start by ensuring they are eating well, staying socially connected, and receiving appropriate support services. Our home-delivered meals with regular Wellbeing Checks can provide both nutrition and reassurance. Read more about how it works here.

What are the signs my elderly parent needs help?

Common signs include:

Weight loss
Empty fridge or expired food
Increased falls
Forgetting meals
Social withdrawal

If you’re noticing these signs, it may be time to organise additional support. We can help.

Can I organise Meals on Wheels for my parent?

Yes. Adult children can contact us directly to arrange meals and discuss government funding options for their parent.

How do I know if my parent is eligible for government funding?

Eligibility is assessed through My Aged Care. If approved under CHSP or SaH, meals may be subsidised. Learn more about subsidies here.

Do you check on older people during delivery?

Yes. Every delivery includes a friendly face-to-face Wellbeing Check at no additional cost.

Do You Offer Additional Social Support?

Yes. We offer more personalised Social Support to help older people remain independent, safe, and connected within the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, and Port Stephens communities. Our Social Support services are designed to reduce isolation, increase safety, and support overall wellbeing for older people living independently at home. However, availability is limited and dependent on funding. To learn more about Social Support, click here.