How do you handle meals for someone that won’t cook for themself?

Hi Soofagis- do you get "Meals on Wheels" where you are? Or, perhaps try a new food service. Or, how about pre-made frozen meals from the grocery store where all she'd have to do is microwave it. I order online from Amazon Fresh or Whole Foods for my elderly aunt a variety of meals that she only needs to microwave (also pasta meals that way), as well as cold cuts for her to make sandwiches (also canned tuna, canned salmon for sandwiches, etc).

If it's a matter of your mother just being used to you preparing meals and bringing them over, have you made it too easy for her? If she's still capable and functional, then you may want to encourage her more to do for herself - otherwise, she's making herself too dependent. Have you ever told her that you're feeling exhausted from continually having to take her dinner every nite or just that you think it would be beneficial for her to be more involved in her meal prep ?

Older people don't need a lot of calories, she can survive just fine on a few days a week of easily prepared and eaten meals like cereal, toast, sandwiches, and soups. Plus there are tonnes of heat and eat meal options at your grocery store.
And don't forget meals on wheels!

Have you tried doing a big cooking day, packing up dishes into individual meals? Also freezing some food for the following week. This is how I cooked for my family when I was working full time. I saved time and money!

Best wishes to you and your mom. Go out sometimes! Bring mom meals on Friday for the entire weekend and then you get the weekend off! My mom occasionally enjoyed eating pizza. Order a pizza sometimes for her and then you can take a break from cooking, plus go out to eat if you choose to.