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Meal Delivery For Seniors vs. Senior Home Care vs. Personal Chefs: An Honest Comparison

Finding the right meal service for seniors can be a challenge with so many options out there.  A family caregiver who recently contacted us at Chefs For Seniors stated in an email:

My mom is no longer cooking for herself and her health is suffering as a result. Something’s got to change, but I’m not sure which option would work best for her.  She currently has a CNA coming into the home every day for a few hours, but she doesn’t know how to prepare diabetic-friendly meals.

We’ve also tried some meal delivery companies, some better than others, but none seemed to stick.  Then we found your company on Google, but a personal chef service seems like it would be way too expensive.  What would be really nice is some kind of unbiased information about food options for seniors, do you know where I could find that?

This article is our attempt to answer her question, and provide an unbiased comparison of meal delivery for seniors vs. senior home care meals vs. personal chef services.

We’ll list the advantages and disadvantages of each type of service, then allow you to form your own opinion on which meal service option would suit your needs best.

Meal delivery vs. home care vs. personal chef

Meal delivery services are convenient and affordable, but can’t be customized and sometimes aren’t very healthy.  Having a home care aide prepare meals can be a great source for companionship and the meals are freshly made, but senior caregivers aren’t trained cooks and services are very expensive.  Personal chef services provide the highest quality fully customized meals but can be a slightly more expensive option than meal delivery.

Pros & Cons of Meal Delivery Services for Seniors

Pros of Meal Delivery Services for Seniors

  • Affordable
  • Convenient
  • Calorie counts
  • Availability

Affordable

Compared to the other meal options for seniors examined in this article, meal delivery services tend to be more affordable. Most delivery services charge somewhere between $8-$14/meal plus shipping cost (usually ~$20/order).

Convenient

Most meal delivery services for services have the option to order meals online, and a cooler full of frozen meals will be delivered to your door 3-7 days later.  The meals can then be reheated at your convenience.

Calorie Counts

Since the meals are prepared in a factory setting, meal delivery companies can provide exact calorie counts and other nutrient breakdowns – which can be helpful if you have certain dietary concerns.

Availability

Since the meals are prepared in a central location and shipped, you can order meals for delivery from anywhere in the US – even if you live in a rural area.

Cons of Meal Delivery Services For Seniors

  • No customization
  • Quality
  • No accountability
  • More potential trash

No Customization

Many seniors have specific dietary concerns and/or food preferences, but unfortunately meal delivery services cannot accommodate your specific needs since the meals are mass-produced.

Quality

Most meal delivery services for seniors will deliver a cooler of mass-produce IQF frozen meals, so the meals aren’t as fresh and tasty as the other options examined in this article.

No Accountability

Many family caregivers are concerned about whether their loved ones are actually eating the meals ordered from a meal delivery service, or just stacking them in the freezer.

More Potential Trash

Environmentalists have noted that meal delivery services can lead to a lot of excess waste since the containers are disposable and thrown away after use.

Pros & Cons of Home Care Aid Meals

Pros of Home Care Aid Meals

  • Companionship
  • Plated meals
  • Grocery store trip

Companionship

A senior home care aid prepares meals in the client’s home, which offers a great opportunity for companionship.  Recent studies have shown loneliness to be as dangerous to your health as smoking a pack of cigarettes a day.

Plated Meals

Senior home care aides aren’t typically preparing make-ahead meals for the week. They’re usually preparing one meal at a time and plating it for the client.

Grocery Shopping Trip

Many senior home care aids will bring the client along for a grocery-shopping trip, so they can pick out exactly what ingredients they’d like.

Cons of Home Care Aid Meals

  • Cost
  • Quality
  • Food Safety

Cost

Of the 3 options examined in this article, seniors home care aids preparing meals is by far the highest cost option. The average hourly rate for home care in the US is $25/hour, and if you had a home care aide prepare 2 meals/day at 1 hour prep time/meal, that adds up to $350/week plus groceries.

Quality

Since most caregivers don’t have much cooking experience outside of possibly being a home cook, the quality of the food isn’t always great and diets they’re able to accommodate can be limited.

Food Safety

Senior home care aides are not ServSafe certified, so they are not trained in proper food preparation and storage procedures.  This could lead to potential food safety issues.

Pros & Cons of Personal Chef Services

Pros of Personal Chef Services

  • Quality
  • Customization
  • ·Companionship
  • Food Safety

Quality

Since many personal chefs have decades of cooking experience, the quality and freshness of the meals they prepare exceed the other two options examined in this article.

Customization

Personal chefs can customize meals to meet your specific dietary concerns and food preferences.  They can even work with your dietitian and/or doctor to ensure you’re eating what you’re supposed to.

Companionship

Since personal chefs prepare the meals in your home, it provides a great opportunity for companionship and a fun experience.

Safety

All personal chefs are ServSafe certified, so they’re knowledgeable about proper food handling and storage procedures. This helps avoid the potential for foodborne illness.

Cons of Personal Chef Services

  • Cost
  • Availability
  • Lack of nutrition info

Cost

While many personal chef services are more affordable than you’d think, they’re still usually more expensive than meal delivery services.  For example, Chefs For Seniors charges $110-$140 (plus $40-$60 in groceries) for a week’s worth of meals, ~12 servings.

Availability

Since the personal chef industry is relatively new, services aren’t available in every part of the US.  Most personal chefs are located in and around major metropolitan areas.

Lack of Nutrition Info

Since the meals are made from scratch in your home, personal chefs aren’t able to provide exact calorie counts and nutrition breakdowns for your meals.

Key Takeaways

Each of the three types of services examined in this article comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Pros and Cons of Meal Delivery Services For Seniors

Meal delivery services are affordable and available throughout the US, but food quality is often lacking and meals cannot be customized for specific diets.

Pros and Cons of Home Care Aid Meal Prep

Having a senior home care aid prepare meals offers a great opportunity for companionship and meals can be plated fresh, but most caregivers aren’t trained cooks, aren’t ServSafe certified, and it’s by far the most expensive meal service option for seniors.

Pros and Cons of Personal Chef Services

Personal chef services can customize meals for specific diets/food preferences, all chefs are ServSafe certified, and the quality of the meals is top-notch.  However, it’s a more expensive option than meal delivery services.

Still have questions about these three types of meal service options for seniors? Contact us directly HERE.

And don’t forget to download your FREE copy of our “Senior Nutrition Guide” e-book below.

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How To Find The Best Senior Meal Delivery Service

Senior Meal Services – Keeping Our Seniors Healthy & Happy

With the rapidly aging population in America, it’s no secret that senior meal services are in high demand. The question is – which is the best option for you or your loved ones?

A recent NPR article states that “according to some estimates, there are hundreds of thousands, maybe even a million seniors living in their own homes who are malnourished. In long-term care facilities, up to 50 percent may suffer from malnutrition. This leads to increased risk of illness, frailty, and falls.”

When meal preparation becomes too difficult or you simply don’t want to do it anymore, a host of health problems arise. Senior meal services have the potential to assist seniors in eating healthy, nutritious meals.

Why More And More Seniors Are Choosing A Meal Service

Here are just a few reason why people may use a meal delivery service:

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  1. Nutrition – When food prep becomes difficult, many seniors turn to packaged foods, which often offer poor health benefits, or simply stop eating. Meal services can offer healthy meal alternatives.
  2. Safety – For those with certain chronic diseases it can be unsafe to work near a hot stove, or challenging to carry heavy groceries and stand for long periods to chop and cook fresh ingredients.
  3. Time – Many people are caregiving for a spouse, parent, or loved one.  With all of the other responsibilities in life, meal preparation for those you love can suffer. In addition, others who have cooked meals for years simply enjoy the option to outsource the responsibility to someone else.
  4. Custom Diets – For a growing number of people in America, low-sodium, diabetic, and gluten-free meal options are necessary for health reasons.  For others, tailoring around taste and sensitive digestion can make a huge difference.
  5. Affordability – Senior meal delivery services, because of economies of scale, can often offer a more affordable option to older adults who find themselves eating out at restaurants, buying carry out food, or purchasing frozen meals.
  6. Companionship – Not only is malnutrition a major issue with seniors but so is loneliness. Senior meal delivery services have the opportunity to deliver more than just food. They can also deliver a friendly visit that provides much-needed interaction.
  7. Delicious Food – This certainly will vary by service, but if you find the right company, you may just end up eating some of the best food you’ve ever had. Fresh and healthy ingredients make meals not only beautiful to look at, but also delicious to eat!

Exploring Different Meal Service Options

If you or a loved you know have decided that help with meals is right for you, it’s time to explore the best options. There are several solutions to consider, some of which offer an alternative to delivered meals. Let’s take a look at the different types meal services offered and explore the pros and cons of each.

I. SENIOR CENTERS

Senior centers have been around for a long time and offer an important role in our communities across the country. But, how are they for senior meals?

PROs

  • Food usually is relatively affordable, sometimes even provided at no cost.
  • Most communities have a senior center in their service area – be it at a church or another community center.
  • For those who are mobile, senior centers offer a meeting place for visiting and companionship.

CONs

  • Generally, food needs to be eaten at the center or picked up for carryout.
  • Requires transportation to get to the center.
  • Your menu is dictated for you. Generally, you don’t have input in on the meals prepared and they cannot be customized for specific diets.

II. MAILED MEAL SERVICES

There are many types of mailed senior meal delivery services where food can be delivered right to your door, typically in a large cooler with ice packs. MagicKitchen.com and Silver Cuisine by BistroMD are a few examples of these services.

PROs

  • Convenience, you don’t have to leave your home to get your meals.
  • Many services offered, “chef-prepared” and nutritious options.
  • Ability to order online or over the phone and shipped to your residence.

CONs

  • Some meal delivery options like Blue Apron still require preparation at home, which can be physically challenging.
  • Meals must be stored for long periods, so they are made centrally and then frozen for shipping.
  • Meals delivered through the mail offer no companionship component.
  • Meals can’t be customized for specific diets or food preferences.
  • Generally, have to pay for shipping costs which can run up to $20/order.

III. IN-HOME MEAL DELIVERY

Perhaps the most well known senior meal delivery service is Meals on Wheels. And for good reason as they provide an incredible benefit to many older adults in America. Meals on Wheels programs originated in the United Kingdom during WWII when many people lost their homes and were unable to cook their own meals.  Meals on Wheels programs generally offer very affordable meals delivered right to your door.

PROs

  • Meals are provided at no cost or at an affordable rate, as most are subsidized by private donors and the Older American’s Act.
  • A volunteer drops off the meal in-person.
  • There are Meals on Wheels programs in just about every community in the US (over 5000).

CONs

  • For most programs, meals cannot be customized for specific dietary concerns and/or food preferences.
  • Due to increased demand, many local Meals on Wheels programs have a long wait list for their services.
  • Many Meals on Wheels programs require that you meet certain qualifications to participate, such as “homebound” status or income below a set threshold.

An in-home personal chef is a unique option for seniors looking for healthy, customized meals.

An in-home personal chef is a unique option for seniors looking for healthy, customized meals.

IV. IN-HOME PERSONAL CHEF

A final type of meal program that more and more people (especially seniors) are turning to is an in-home personal chef. Normally with this option, a chef does all of the grocery shopping, brings fresh ingredients with, cooks the meal and cleans up in the home. Many believe having a personal chef is reserved for professional athletes and celebrities, but nowadays that isn’t the case.  Meals provided by a personal chef can be relatively affordable, with some able to offer prices similar to senior meal delivery services.

PROs

  • Taste preferences and diet needs can all be customized for each individual.
  • There is instant feedback to the chef.
  • Fresh, healthy ingredients ensure a higher level of nutrition.
  • Meals delivered right to your door.
  • Ingredients are fresh and never frozen, adding to the flavor.
  • Companionship and a friendly visit – something to look forward to all week.
  • Chefs can offer feedback and updates on the client’s status to off-site family members.

CONs

  • Personal chef services can be more expensive than other meal delivery options in some cases.
  • Requires that you have a working kitchen for the chef to prepare meals in.
  • Can be difficult to find personal chef services in every community, as it’s a relatively new industry.

Chefs For Seniors – A New Option for Seniors

What is Chefs For Seniors? We are a mission-driven company with a goal to keep older adults in their homes by supporting both nutritional and social needs.

We host a network of professional chefs who are all passionate about bringing fresh food into the lives of seniors at an affordable cost.  Watch this 45-second overview video to get an idea of our in-home, personal chef meal service.

What Makes Chefs For Seniors Different?

Chefs For Seniors was founded in 2013 by father-son team Barrett and Nathan Allman.  Barrett was a long-time executive chef and restaurant owner with over 25 years of experience in the food service industry.  Since the company’s inception, Chefs For Seniors’ local chefs have prepared over 100,000 meals for seniors in 9 states, and is growing quickly through its nationwide franchise expansion.

There are several reasons that it makes sense to choose Chefs For Seniors over other meal delivery services:

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  1. Fresh – The food is always fresh, never frozen! Our vetted and professional chefs do the grocery shopping for you and use their years of cooking experience to select the best food items to make delicious meals right in your own home.
  2. Nutritious –  We make balanced meals with healthy ingredients that provide plenty of nutritious benefits. More importantly, since it is designed around what you like, our clients tend to eat all the food we make.
  3. Affordable – Our nationwide scale allows us to keep our meal subscriptions affordable. Because we aren’t a one-man personal chef, we are able to pass on those savings to you.  Our service costs $95-$129 per visit for ~12 servings of meals, which is much more affordable that most personal chef services.
  4. Custom – Because the chef gets to know you and your preferences, your meals will be customized to your tastes and your diet needs. Love cumin? Great, we’ll add it in. Have low-sodium or gluten-free diet concerns? No problem. A key advantage with Chefs For Seniors is that our chefs get to know you at a very detailed level and can create personalized menus that you’ll enjoy.
  5. Companionship – We believe in food is good for the body and a friendly visit is good for the soul. Our chefs love visiting our customers, and our seniors look forward to the visit every week. With Chefs For Seniors, you get good food and good company!

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7 Surprising High Sodium Foods For Seniors

In the US, many seniors consume more sodium than they should.  This can lead to various health problems like high blood pressure and heart disease.  While most of us know to lay off the processed frozen meals and deli meats, this article highlights 7 surprising high sodium foods for seniors to avoid.

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR LOW SODIUM DIET

To reduce the risk of heart disease or reduce symptoms if you’ve already been diagnosed, your doctor will probably recommend a low sodium diet.  If you follow a low salt diet, it will help keep high blood pressure and edema (swelling) under control.

For many seniors needing a low salt diet, consuming less than 1500mg of sodium per day is ideal given that many older adults consume fewer calories in a day than the average person.  That said, it’s best to always follow your doctor’s recommendation on sodium intake.

Here are some general guidelines/tips for a low sodium diet:

  • Take the saltshaker off the table.
  • Sea salt is better for you than iodized or kosher salt.
  • Choose low sodium ingredients at the store (foods containing less than 140mg per serving).  Most condiments and other center-aisle items at the grocery store have a low sodium alternative.
  • Avoid high salt foods (with over 400mg of sodium per serving).
  • Watch out for high-sodium additives like MSG.
  • Avoid soft water for drinking as it contains added sodium.
  • Salt substitutes can be a good option, but it’s probably best to avoid them if you need to be on a low potassium diet.
  • Eat homemade meals instead of restaurant meals or processed frozen meals.

OBVIOUS HIGH SODIUM FOODS TO AVOID

Before looking at the 7 Surprising High Sodium Foods For Seniors, let’s review the more obvious high sodium foods to avoid at the grocery store – or toss if they’re sitting in your pantry.

  • Processed Meats: avoid smoked, cured, salted or canned meat, fish or poultry including bacon, cold cuts, ham, frankfurters, sausage, sardines, caviar, and anchovies.
  • Grocery Store Frozen Meals: with very few exceptions, frozen meals from the grocery store are high in salt and other preservatives.  Plus, they usually don’t taste very good.  If you’re tired of cooking but need a low sodium diet, there are lots of better options for getting nutritious meals.  Check out our post on “How To Find The Best Senior Meal Delivery Service.”
  • Canned vegetables or meals: A lot of seniors enjoy canned vegetables, but their sodium content means they should be avoided.  The same logic holds true for canned meals like ravioli or soup.
  • Condiments and salad dressings without the “low sodium” or “no-salt-added” label: especially soy sauce and ketchup.  Most stores have low sodium alternatives.
  • Pickled vegetables: olives and pickles are EXTREMELY high in salt and should be avoided.
  • Jarred or packaged sauces: most Marinara, Alfredo, and Asian stir-fry sauces should be avoided, although some branded do offer low sodium products.
  • Salted snacks: potato chips, crackers, nuts, etc.
  • Salted butter or margarine: unsalted butter is usually a little more expensive, but it’s healthier than salted butter.

7 SURPRISINGLY HIGH SODIUM FOODS FOR SENIORS

Okay, so it’s no surprise that potato chips and bacon are high in sodium…but there are also a lot of foods with high sodium levels that you wouldn’t expect.  Below are 7 of the most surprising high salt foods:

#1: CEREAL

Most people think sugar is the ingredient to worry about with boxed cereals, but many have 180-300mg of salt per serving.  Instead of packaged cereal, try homemade granola or old-fashioned oatmeal with fresh berries.

#2: BAGELS

One bagel can contain up to 500mg of salt, and that number can go even higher for cheese or everything-flavored bagels.

#3: PRE-MADE CAKES

Most seniors love sweets, but if you’re looking to satisfy a sweet tooth, homemade desserts are much healthier in terms of salt content. Grocery store cakes oftentimes rely on sodium as a preservative to increase the shelf life.  Boxed cake mixes also have a lot of sodium.

#4: VEGGIE BURGERS

Many seniors believe a veggie burger is a healthy choice, but one patty can have 400-500mg of sodium.  That’s almost 1/3 of the recommended sodium intake for an entire day in one 4oz burger!

#5: PANCAKES

Ready-made and pourable mixes have a surprisingly high amount of salt (400-700mg for 3 medium pancakes).  In keeping with the trend of this article, homemade is better tasting and better for you.

#6: CERTAIN CHICKEN BREASTS

Some chicken breasts, especially the frozen ones, are injected with a sodium solution to keep the meat juicy and add to the taste.  Avoid buying chicken with salt on the ingredient label.

#7: STORE BOUGHT COCKTAIL MIXES

Who doesn’t enjoy a good Bloody Mary or margarita once in a while?  It’s okay in moderation, but some of the premixed cocktails you buy at the store can have upwards of 650mg of salt per 16oz drink.

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How To Find The Best Personal Chef Service

So, you’re looking to hire a personal chef service to prepare make-ahead meals.  This begs the question: with all the options out there, how do you find the best personal chef service in your area?

One of the main benefits of a personal chef service is the level of customization they can provide and the unique relationship you build with your chef.  That being said, finding the right personal chef is a bit like dating, meaning not every chef is going to be a good fit for you.

Before we dive in, if you’re not familiar with what a personal chef does check out our post: “What Exactly Is A Personal Chef?”

Personal chefs prepare customized meals for clients in their home kitchens.

Personal chefs prepare customized meals for clients in their home kitchens.

SEARCHING FOR PERSONAL CHEFS ONLINE

Unless a friend or family member has referred you to a company, your first step when researching the best personal chef services in your area will probably entail going to Google.  When doing a web search and examining the websites of various personal chef services, here are some questions to ask yourself:

  • Does their website look professional?  An easy to navigate and visually appealing website shows the personal chef company you’re researching takes their business seriously.   Think about it, if their website is bad that probably means they don’t have the money to invest in a nicer page, and they don’t have the money because they struggle to get clients due to poor service.
  • Are there testimonials? See if the personal chef service has in-depth testimonials from real clients on their website – videos are even better!  Also look at websites like Facebook and Yelp for client reviews.
  • Do their sample menus look appetizing? Most personal chef service websites will have sample menus online to give visitors an idea of the types of meals they specialize in.  While most personal chefs can customize menus for their clients, the sample menus tell you what’s in their wheelhouse.  For example, if the majority of dishes on their menu are Latin-inspired but you’re not interested in that type of cuisine, that particular personal chef might not be the best fit.
  • Is there a bio of the chef(s)? Look for a short bio on the owner of the company or their employees. You’ll want some background information on the personal chef coming into your home.
  • Do they talk about the cost? A lot of personal chef service websites don’t provide exact pricing information, which is understandable given the customized nature of the service.  However, see if they provide some pricing information (even a range) to give yourself a general idea of what their services would cost you.   For pricing information, look for a Price tab on the website homepage or the FAQ section.

For more information, check out our recent post “What Does A Personal Chef Cost?”

QUESTIONS TO ASK DURING THE CONSULTATION

Once you find a personal chef service you’re interested in, most will contact you to schedule a phone or in-person consultation.  Any professional personal chef company should contact you within 24 hours via phone or email.

A consultation with a personal chef generally takes ~1 hour, and they can answer all your questions at that time.  During the consultation, here are some questions you’ll want to ask the chef if they don’t bring these topics up themselves:

  • Do you have liability insurance? This is one of the most important questions to ask a personal chef service – you may even want to request a formal insurance certificate.  Given the nature of the business model, there are many small independent operators that don’t even have a formal business entity established for their personal chef service.  This means they probably aren’t carrying liability insurance, and if they break an appliance or start a fire you’re out of luck.  Any credible personal chef service should be properly insured.
  • Do I have to supply pots, pans, and utensils? Some personal chefs bring their own “toolbox” of equipment, while others use what you have on hand.  For most clients, they prefer chefs to bring their own equipment so they don’t have to worry about kitchen supplies being damaged.
  • How much do you typically spend at the grocery store? Most personal chef services also provide a grocery shopping service, meaning they’ll pick up the items needed for the meal prep at the grocery store before coming to your home.  And their pricing structure is usually a flat service-fee plus reimbursement for grocery.  Ask what the average amount spent at the store is – for 12 servings of meals you can expect $45-$90 per service.
  • How long would you be in my home doing meal prep? There’s a lot of variabilities here, with some chefs taking less than 2 hours to prepare meals while others are in the home 8+ hours.
  • Are there any long-term contracts? Some personal chef services don’t have any contracts, while others require a monthly or quarterly contract.  In our experience, the best personal chefs don’t have long-term contracts because they’re confident enough in the services they provide.
  • Are you able to accommodate my dietary concerns? If you have a specific diet you’re wanting or needing to follow, ask the chef upfront if they’re familiar with your dietary concern(s) and whether they’d be able to create menus that fit with your nutrition plan.  But remember, a personal chef is not a dietitian and cannot prescribe diets or guarantee their meals will meet certain requirements.
  • How much is the service going to cost ME? Once the chef has explained the service and answered your questions, it’s time for them to provide you with cost information based on the information you provided.  There’s a lot of variability with personal chef prices, so do your research ahead of time to see what the going rates are in your area.

Personal chefs also provide a grocery shopping service for clients.

Personal chefs also provide a grocery shopping service for clients.

AFTER THE CONSULTATION

If you feel comfortable signing up during the consultation, the next step would be scheduling a visit and beginning the service!  As the saying goes “the proof is in the pudding” and the service day confirms whether the personal chef service will be able to live up to their promises.

That being said, keep in mind that personal chefs are offering a service – not a product.  Food is very subjective, and if you don’t like some of the meals provide feedback to your chef so they can change things going forward.  It’s a relationship that takes time to build; they won’t know exactly how you like food prepared for the first visit.

In conclusion, if you ask good questions and do your research, you’ll be one step closer to finding the best personal chef service in your area!

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How Much Does A Personal Chef Cost?

A personal chef is defined as a culinary professional hired by multiple clients to prepare make-ahead meals in the client’s home kitchens, based on their needs and food preferences.  It’s a relatively new type of service that’s gaining in popularity across the US, and provides a lot of value to clients with busy schedules, specific diets, and an appetite for great-tasting meals.

A personal chef is not to be confused with a private chef, which is typically hired by one client to prepare meals daily and is typically reserved for professional athletes, celebrities, and CEOs of the world.  A private chef can cost upwards of $60,000/year, not including the cost of groceries.  Different than a private chef, a personal chef service tends to be more affordable for the average person.   But this still begs the all-important question when researching personal chef services in your area, “WHAT DOES IT COST?”

WHAT YOU GET FOR YOUR MONEY WITH A PERSONAL CHEF

Before diving into the cost of a personal chef, it’s important to understand what you’re typically getting for your money when you hire a personal chef service to handle make-ahead meal preparation.

  1. First, your personal chef will plan a customized menu for you based on your suggestions, dietary concerns, and unique food preferences.  Many personal chefs will involve you in the process of creating a menu, so it’s very collaborative.
  2. Second, your chef will procure the freshest ingredients possible for the service at a local grocery store, farmer’s market, or other food vendors.  Many times, you can even have your chef pick up some additional items at the store that you need, like milk or eggs.
  3. Once they finish shopping, your personal chef will bring the ingredients to your home and begin the meal preparation process.  Some personal chefs will bring their own equipment (pots, pans, utensils, etc.), while others choose to use the clients.  The cooking process takes anywhere from 2 – 5 hours in the home and the time spent in the home depends on the type of meals selected, number of meals being prepared, and the unique style of the chef.  If the client is home during the service, it’s not uncommon to pull up a chair and chat with the chef while they cook.  It’s something most clients look forward to each service day!
  4. Once the cooking process is complete, the chef will package the meals in plastic or glass containers, label them, and store them in the fridge or freezer.
  5. Then comes one of the most important steps: cleaning the kitchen!  Most personal chefs take great pride in their workspace, and will diligently clean your kitchen – often leaving it even cleaner than they found it.
  6. Finally, if you’re a regular client, the chef will sit down and begin discussing a menu for the next service.  Some personal chefs will plan the next menu in entirety at the end of the visit, while others may choose to communicate with their clients via phone or email.

Most clients will have their personal chef come to their home weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly.

Your personal chef will buy fresh ingredients at a local grocery store just before coming to your home.

Your personal chef will buy fresh ingredients at a local grocery store just before coming to your home.

WHAT DOES A PERSONAL CHEF COST?

As you can imagine, there’s a lot of variabilities when it comes to the rates charged by a personal chef.  Some charge an hourly rate, others charge a fixed rate that includes grocery, but the most common pricing structure you’ll see is a fixed rate for the service (depending on the number of meals selected) plus the cost of groceries.  For the purposes of this article, we’ll be looking at the fixed service plus grocery-pricing model.

To start, let’s examine the service fee, which does not include the food cost.  We’re also going to look at the average price for 12 servings of meals, which represents an average number of servings/meals prepared during a personal chef visit.  You can usually have your personal chef prepare additional servings of each meal, which would increase the service charge slightly, but of course lowers the cost per meal.

Based on our research of dozens of personal chef services throughout the US, the service cost to have a personal chef prepare 12 servings of meals (typically 4 or 6 different entrees) ranges from $150-$400.  The median is around $250, with prices being a bit higher in large metro areas – LA, New York, Chicago, Miami, etc.  Chefs charging in the $300-$500 range are typically in large urban areas, are highly acclaimed, and have years of experience in high-end restaurants.

Typically the lower cost personal chef services in the $150-$250 price range are part of a larger franchise network or have a team of chefs working for one business so they can benefit from economies of scale.  Our company, Chefs For Seniors, is one example but there are a few other similar services such as Dinner Elf in Austin, TX.  Sole proprietor personal chefs tend to charge those higher prices, but often struggle to attract clients and keep them long-term.  Clients may think of higher-end personal chefs as more of a luxury service, rather than filling a need on a weekly basis.  Personal chef services in the lower price range tend to have larger client bases (some may even have 100’s of clients), and it’s sustainable for the client’s budget to keep their personal chef around for a long time.

When it comes to grocery costs for ~12 servings of meals, a lot of that is up to you.  Most personal chefs will discuss a grocery budget with you to get an idea of what you’re willing to spend and for the average client, you can expect anywhere from $65-$125 in food cost per service.  If you want organic, kosher, or high-end ingredients you can expect to pay more.

Overall, when you think about the time you save and the amazing meals you get when you hire a personal chef service, it can be a reasonably priced solution for a lot of people.  To find a personal chef in your area, visit the United States Personal Chef Association website: https://www.uspca.com/.  They provide certification and training guides for personal chefs across the US.  Or visit chefsforseniors.com to see if we offer services in your area!

Personal chefs provide a great value for busy families, seniors, and young professionals considering the high-level of service offered and great-tasting food.

Personal chefs provide a great value for busy families, seniors, and young professionals considering the high-level of service offered and great-tasting food.

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7 Of The Best Foods For Seniors

Whole foods do have an amazing ability to enhance seniors’ health and well being.  If your weekly grocery list already contains a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains…good for you and keep up the good work.  On the other hand, if your grocery list leaves something to be desired, adding these nutrient-dense foods can supercharge your health and make you feel rejuvenated!

Also, if you’re not interested in cooking for yourself or find it a hassle to grocery shop, there are lots of great meal services out there just for older adults that can help incorporate these foods into your diet.

BLUEBERRIES

In a 2012 Annals of Neurology study, people who regularly ate blueberries experienced slower cognitive decline—an aging delay of as much as 2.5 years—than less avid berry eaters.  They are a great source of vitamin K, and also contain vitamin C, fiber, and other antioxidants that are especially important for seniors.

Try adding blueberries to your breakfast cereal, or blend them up in a smoothie.  If buying fresh blueberries is too expensive or you don’t eat them quickly enough, frozen blueberries provide the same level of nutrients and can be stored for longer periods of time.

GREEK YOGURT

10 years ago hardly anyone had heard of this once niche food that has seemingly overtaken supermarket shelves.  Part of Greek yogurt’s popularity is due to its high protein content and great taste.  It also provides high levels of calcium (good for preventing osteoporosis), potassium, and B12.

Protein consumption is very important for seniors because it helps to preserve muscle mass, and adults tend to start eating less meat past age 50.   Enter Greek yogurt, which is a great high-protein snack for seniors eating less meat.

One thing to watch out for with Greek yogurt is the high sugar content of the flavored varieties.  Opting for plain Greek yogurt would be the healthiest choice, and you can stir in fresh fruit or granola.

SPINACH

If it’s good for Popeye, it’s good for you!  Leafy greens, not including iceberg lettuce which has little nutrient value, like spinach are perhaps THE most nutrient dense foods you can eat.  Spinach is especially high in vitamin K, which aids bone health.

To get your daily dose of greens, you can sauté spinach in olive oil until wilted, blend into a delicious smoothie (you’ll barely notice the taste), or make yourself a fresh spinach salad with balsamic vinaigrette.

MIXED NUTS

While most nuts are high in fat, not all fats are bad.  Nuts are high in Omega-3 fatty acids, which can help with inflammation and prevent chronic diseases like cancer.

Almonds are high in magnesium, pistachios are high in potassium, and even peanuts are considered pretty healthy for seniors.  If your doctor wants you on a sodium-restricted diet, you can opt for unsalted mixed nuts.

The USDA recommends that you aim for 4 oz of nuts every week.

SALMON

Not everyone cares for fish, but for those who do salmon is an excellent choice.  Salmon is chalked-full of Omega-3 fatty acids, which help keep your heart healthy and greatly decreases brain cell loss.  It’s also high in vitamin D (which is especially important during the winter), which helps keep seniors’ bones strong.

Aim for eating oily fish like salmon 1-3 times/week, and avoid smoked salmon (or lox) if your doctor recommends a low sodium diet for you.

CARROTS

Carrots are very high in vitamin A, and numerous studies have shown that individuals consuming high level of that particular vitamin are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease.  One 7-inch carrot delivers the daily-recommended dose of vitamin A.  Having a small bag of baby carrots on hand for a snack is always a good idea!

DARK CHOCOLATE

We all love our sweets, senior’s included!  But find a satisfying treat that isn’t detrimental to your health is tough with all the indulgent options out there.

For seniors with a sweet tooth who are watching what they eat, dark chocolate is a healthy alternative to other dessert options.  Dark chocolate is high is antioxidants, which help neutralize free radicals that can cause a variety of diseases.  The cocoa butter is also good for seniors wanting to control their cholesterol level.

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7 Benefits Of Using A Personal Chef For Seniors

DO YOU HAVE A SENIOR FAMILY MEMBER OR FRIENDS IN YOUR LIFE WHO COULD USE SOME HELP IN THE KITCHEN?

While many families resort to meal delivery services to provide their loved ones with food, this certainly isn’t the only option to consider. Instead, you could choose to hire a personal chef to come and prepare home-cooked meals for the senior in your life.  The cost is less than you’d think, with some personal chef able to provide custom meals for as little as $10/serving.

This is an option that many don’t realize exists, however it can provide many advantages to the individuals who choose to use them. To help you decide if this is the right move, we’re sharing seven benefits of using a personal chef for seniors.

1. THE CHEF HANDLES MEAL PLANNING & GROCERY SHOPPING

One of the benefits of using a personal chef for seniors is that the chef will handle all the meal planning and grocery shopping. Many seniors just aren’t able to easily get to the grocery store. This could be for a variety of different reasons — no reliable transportation, disabilities, etc. This only provides added stress on those seniors as they have to figure out how to get their food every day.

Seniors can leave the meal planning up to the personal chef and include any additional items they’d like to have. Then, the chef can pick up everything on the list so seniors don’t have to worry about it. Not only is this much easier, but it also gives seniors more free time back in their day. Plus, they’ll have someone who they can always depend on to help them out with any food-related needs.

Personal chefs take care of the grocery shopping, making sure to purchase the freshest ingredients.

Personal chefs take care of the grocery shopping, making sure to purchase the freshest ingredients.

 2. IT ELIMINATES THE STRESS OF COOKING

Cooking can be a stressful task for many people, but even more so for some seniors. For many, preparing a meal is a laborious task from planning, grocery shopping, and actually doing the cooking. It can take a while to accomplish even the simplest tasks, especially for seniors who have a hard time getting around. Some will find themselves quickly getting frustrated and stressed over the fact that they aren’t able to do things they used to accomplish with ease.

Having a personal chef can eliminate this stress entirely. Plus, with someone else handling all the cooking, it’s going to be safer for many seniors this way. They won’t have to worry about kitchen mishaps such as dealing with knives or dropping plates.

3. MEALS ARE CUSTOMIZABLE

Another great thing about hiring a personal chef is that the meals can be customized to a senior’s specific dietary needs. While not all seniors have special diets that they need to follow, many of them do because of health concerns or even medications they may be taking. Going with another service as opposed to a personal chef doesn’t give you this level of customization.

The chef you hire will be able to prepare meals that suit their unique tastes and dietary needs. They’ll even be able to put in requests for specific dishes that they love and find comforting. It’s much more personal and enjoyable this way. And seniors can receive the nutritious meals they need most with high-quality ingredients.

Meals can be customized for a variety of dietary concerns (ex: low sodium, diabetic, gluten free)

4. IT’LL GIVE SENIORS MORE FREE TIME

While meal delivery services can help save some time for seniors, having a personal chef will provide them with much more. Since they won’t have to worry about doing the grocery shopping or cooking meals, they’re free to spend their time however they wish. It’s a great opportunity to relax, read a book, or anything else that puts a smile on their face.

This is also great for seniors who struggle with any kind of disability. Trying to cook on their own is likely a time-consuming, challenging task. And it may take them even longer to complete simple things, while a personal chef can tackle it with ease.

5. IT’S AFFORDABLE EVEN ON A BUDGET

You might be wondering how on earth a personal chef could be affordable. However, when you compare the cost of a personal chef to other services, you’d be surprised to see that many offer a great price. There are actually special services that are specifically designed for seniors, so it’s likely taken into consideration that many are on a budget.  Some personal chefs can provide meals for as little as $10/meal!

All you have to do is find a personal chef who is local to your area and who works with seniors. Find out how much they charge and exactly what they offer. Since they’re typically handling all the grocery shopping as well, it’s really an added bonus. You won’t have to pay someone else to handle this, nor will your loved one have to venture out to the store alone.

6. CHEFS WILL CLEAN UP AFTER MEALS

It’s safe to say that all of us dread cleaning up after preparing a meal in the kitchen. Whether you buy groceries from the store or even just use a popular meal delivery service, there’s always going to be clean up involved. With a personal chef on their side, seniors won’t ever have to worry about this. After the meal has been prepared, most chefs will tidy up the kitchen before saying goodbye.

All of the chefs at Chefs For Seniors will clean up after the meal has been prepared. This means your loved one can just relax and not have to worry about the stress of wiping everything down, washing dishes, and throwing things away.

7. A PERSONAL CHEF PROVIDES COMPANIONSHIP

Another benefit of using a personal chef for seniors is that it provides them with companionship. For seniors who live at home, they may spend a lot of time by themselves. As a result, it gets pretty lonely when you don’t have someone to talk to or spend time with. The regular visit from a personal chef can actually provide a sense of companionship through a new friendship.

The chef is there with the senior clients and can carry on a conversation while cooking in the kitchen. It’s a great way to brighten any senior’s day. And you’ll feel confident that your loved one is in good hands with their personal chef.

Clients of a personal chef always look forward to their chef visits. Great food and wonderful conversation!

Clients of a personal chef always look forward to their chef visits. Great food and wonderful conversation!

See what a personal chef visit really looks like in the video below…

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All Chefs For Seniors locations across the US are independently owned and operated. When you choose Chefs For Seniors, you are supporting small business owners in your local community.