Blogs

16 December 2020

Hi to all! I’m sharing my experience of how purchasing a Thermomix has helped me achieve some of my NDIS goals. Two things to note: I am self-managed and at the time, Melbourne was in strict COVID-19 lock-down, so the process was a little unusual. However, I hope you find my story relatable.

It was during discussions with my Occupational Therapist that the idea of a Thermomix was first raised. I had heard of Thermomix, of course - a whizz-bang kitchen appliance that chops, stirs, kneads and cooks - but it was way out of my budget!

Due to my issues with dexterity and chronic fatigue leading to cognitive challenges, especially towards the end of the day, my OT encouraged me to check it out. I knew that a fellow school mum was a Thermomix consultant and she conducted a virtual demonstration. I could see how the features of the Thermomix would make my life easier and help achieve some of my NDIS goals, particularly those focusing on independence, safety and maintaining my roles as a wife and parent.

Being self-managed, I did not require pre-approval from the NDIA, but my OT still needed to fill in an Assistive Technology Assessment Report to justify the purchase. My OT asked me to provide reasons why I felt the Thermomix was more suited to my needs than other kitchen appliances. I researched online, reading reviews and watching videos, all the while keeping in mind my own personal challenges. 

My OT held a “virtual” Functional Assessment of me cooking a typical family meal - chicken curry. She recorded areas of concern, and noted how a Thermomix could assist in making meal preparation quicker, safer and with reduced reliance of pre-prepared foods.

I also prepared a Participant Statement that I shared with my OT, and she used both as evidence to assist her in writing her report. In the meantime, my local Thermomix consultant prepared a quote, which I uploaded to the portal along with the AT report and the funds were released into my account within 48 hours. Two weeks later, I received my Thermomix!

My Thermomix consultant “virtually” helped me un-box and learn the features. I was thrilled with how easy it was to use, particularly the online recipe book and step by step instructions. I made vegetable stock paste and was super excited about how this appliance was going to change my life!

Two weeks later, my Thermomix hadn’t been used for anything except Margaritas (no judgement, we were in lock-down!). I contacted my consultant, somewhat despondent. She suggested I plan 2-3 meals a week solely using the Thermomix to help change my way of thinking and approach to meal planning and preparation. 

This highlights another great feature of the Thermomix; a local consultant who is happy to help and provide guidance and encouragement. Since then, I’ve attended several virtual cooking sessions which have provided cooking inspiration and tips, as well as social connection during lock-down. I’ve also joined several Facebook groups which have proved immensely helpful. I couldn’t live without it now!

If you goal is to be more independent in the kitchen and you feel a Thermomix might help, connect with our AT Mentor for support with your NDIS application.

Below is an overview of the process I followed to obtain my Thermomix using my NDIS funds.

1. Discussion with my Occupational Therapist regarding daily activities I struggle with and identify Assistive Technology to help achieve my goals. In the case of the Thermomix, we focussed on dinner preparation and safety when cooking due to my chronic fatigue (causing cognitive deficit) and dexterity issues.

2.  Identify the goals in my plan that will be met by purchasing the Thermomix. In my case, I had three relevant goals: remain living as independently as possible in my own home, maintain my role and responsibilities as a wife and parent, and to be supported with some Low-Cost Assistive Technology for more independence and other equipment or items recommended by my Allied Health Professionals.

3. I researched several different kitchen aids with similar features to the Thermomix and completed a Participant Statement. For me, the step by step recipe guide was a huge factor as my cognitive abilities can be compromised when I’m fatigued.

4. My OT completed a “virtual” Functional Assessment of me cooking a typical family meal. 

5. My OT completed an Assistive Technology Assessment Report, incorporating her observations from the Functional Assessment and my Participant Statement.

6. My Thermomix consultant prepared a quote.

7. I uploaded the quote and AT Assessment Report to the MyPlace portal and submitted a Payment Request. Funds were placed into my account within 48 hours. 

8. I uploaded the tax invoice/receipt to the MyPlace Portal as soon as I completed the purchase.

Since my hospitalisation with Guillain Barre Syndrome and the subsequent permanent nerve damage, I had been forced to learn ways of cutting corners when completing daily tasks, such as preparing meals for my family. I can now cook family favourites, such as chicken curry from scratch using fresh ingredients. I am enjoying the satisfaction of successfully preparing and cooking meals, confident that it won’t be an exhausting task.

I no longer accept fatigue as a part of my daily life and the support I have received from my Allied Health Support team – and my NDIS plan – have encouraged my change in mindset. I hope my Thermomix story helps you achieve some of YOUR life goals, too.

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