As we age, cooking meals isn’t always the easiest thing to do. Grocery trips can become tiring, and standing at the stove may not feel safe or manageable anymore. But food is fuel, and staying healthy starts with eating well. Luckily, there are programs designed to support seniors at home that deliver ready-made meals or groceries. It’s one thing off the list that makes life a lot easier as we age.
Why Eating Healthy Matters for Older Adults
Canada’s Food Guide for Seniors reminds us how important it is to eat well at every age. Older adults need protein for strength and maintaining muscle, fibre for digestion, and plenty of hydration. But when shopping, cooking, and even chewing become more challenging, it’s easy to skip meals or fall back onto unhealthy choices. However, nutritious meals don’t need to be complicated; they just need to be planned and made accessible.
Senior Meal Delivery Services in Ottawa
Ottawa has several great options when it comes to meal delivery for older adults. Here’s a look at a few local programs offering nutritious, locally-made meals:
1. Heart to Home Meals
Heart to Home Meals offers ready-made frozen meals designed especially for seniors. Their menu includes diabetic-friendly, low-sodium, and texture-modified options. Meals start at around $7–$9 each and can be delivered right to your front doorstep on a regular schedule. Heart to Home Meals are good for: variety options, special diets, and flexible delivery.
2. Meals on Wheels Ottawa
This long-standing service delivers hot meals daily or can deliver frozen meals weekly. Many Meals on Wheels clients also enjoy friendly check-ins from volunteers, which is a nice added touch of connection. The typical cost is around $8 per hot meal (with subsidies available). It’s good for daily fresh meals and a friendly face at the door.
3. Clean Plates Canada
Clean Plates offers customizable meal plans with a focus on clean eating. It’s not senior-specific, but older adults who prefer freshly cooked, health-conscious meals often enjoy this service. The cost varies by plan, and can be roughly $11–$15 per meal. It’s a great service for those looking for whole-food meals and more modern flavours.
4. The Prep Kitchen (Ottawa)
The Prep Kitchen is a local catering company with chef-prepared meals and a rotating seasonal menu. The Prep Kitchen is a great local business that offers pickup and delivery. While not made specifically for seniors, their meals can be nutritious and made with local ingredients. Good for: local meals with flexible options.
Grocery Shopping Help for Seniors in Ottawa
Grocery shopping can also become a challenge for seniors, but help is available.
- The Good Companions’ Grocery Program supports seniors with both escorted and unescorted shopping, including delivery if needed.
- Instacart and most major Ottawa grocery stores (Loblaws, Superstore, Walmart) now offer delivery or curbside pickup.
- The Champlain Healthline website lists many other local grocery assistance programs, including volunteer-led options.
How Choice Homecare Supports Healthy Eating at Home
Choice Homecare’s in-home caregivers go beyond basic support; they help your loved ones live with dignity and comfort. That includes helping with grocery shopping, planning healthy meals, and even preparing dishes that fit personal tastes and dietary needs.
Here’s how we support nutrition at home:
- Assist with grocery shopping or manage online grocery orders
- Prepare simple, healthy meals in your loved one’s own kitchen
- Clean up afterward to keep the home tidy
- Track dietary needs, preferences, and mealtimes
- Keep family members or doctors informed about appetite or health changes
Our caregivers also provide light housekeeping, companionship, and even help with medication or mobility transfers when required. We’re here to fill the gap when you need it.
If your loved one just needs meals dropped off, delivery services are a great option. But if they also need help staying organized, cooking, or cleaning up, or if they simply enjoy the company of someone, in-home care may be a better fit.
Choosing the Right Option
Every person has different needs. Some enjoy cooking but need help carrying the groceries. Others may prefer meals delivered and premade for them, but want to eat food that fits their tastes and dietary needs. No matter where your loved one is on their journey, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Choice Homecare is here to help you navigate these decisions, and we’re happy to answer any questions you may have.
Let’s make sure your loved one always has a warm meal, a clean space, and a friendly face nearby. Give us a call, we’re happy to help.