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NDIS Thermomix Funding - Thermomix can be a powerful tool for people with disabilities. It facilitates greater independence in the kitchen and provides an abundance of dietary choices and meal plans. I have been instrumental in getting a Thermomix into many homes.
Table of contents
- Thermomix - Helping people with disabilities
- NDIS Thermomix Consultant
- How can Thermomix give greater independence and choices to those with a disability?
- Who can benefit from Thermomix?
- My Experience with Disabilities
- How the Thermomix Helped Me
- NDIS funding for the Thermomix
- NDIS Registered Mix Australia
- What else can Thermomix offer NDIS Participants to assist in independent living?
- What Exactly Does the Thermomix Do?
Thermomix - Helping people with disabilities
I have used the Thermomix with participants and seen firsthand how the machine can positively change people's lives.
Tasty, healthy food is my "go-to" and I like recipes to be quick and easy. I enjoy teaching children and adults how to cook. The Thermomix allows me to be completely confident that everyone I teach will have the same recipe outcomes every single time.
This is one of the reasons I feel strongly that Thermomix belongs in everyone's home!
The TM6 is an even more powerful tool for those with disabilities as it creates the possibility for independence and control over menu choices even if fine motor skills are limited or swallowing is difficult!
NDIS Thermomix Consultant
As an NDIS Thermomix consultant, I have undergone the necessary training to assist participants in gaining access to Thermomix through their NDIS funding. I have had a great deal of success in securing the TM6 for my participants.
It's my pleasure to not only be of assistance in acquiring a TM6 but also to help participants through the process of becoming comfortable with their TM6.
I am also a Virtual Thermomix® Consultant, so can assist you with Thermomix® and Kobold® products wherever you live in Australia. We can communicate via phone, zoom, and email. I like to do video calls for our demonstrations as it is just like being in the room with you. If you are located on or near the Central Coast NSW we can always meet in person.
How can Thermomix give greater independence and choices to those with a disability?
- Thermomix-guided recipes are simple to follow and provide just one step at a time.
- The precise temperature, time, and blade speed are preset for each recipe taking the guesswork out of preparing a dish.
- Ingredients are weighed by the machine at each stage.
- There is just one large dial and no fiddly buttons.
- The user is able to leave the Thermomix without fear of burning the dish, the dish boiling over or boiling dry.
- The Thermomix can be placed at a lower level than a cooktop allowing for ease of use for those in a wheelchair.
- Gas cooktops have an open flame and electric cooktops have hotplates which can be dangerous. The Thermomix is predominately plastic meaning only the metal jug will become hot.
- Because there are no open flames or hotplate kitchen items such as tea towels and baking paper aren't at risk of catching fire
- The larger touchscreen of the TM6 provides a bigger font size than conventional cookbooks making it easier to read for those with vision difficulties to use.
- Thermomix provides a recipe platform with more than 40,000 guided recipes. This gives users the flexibility to choose from a wide range of dishes for all tastes and diets.
- The meal plan function allows recipes to be selected in advance and placed in a weekly meal plan.
- Shopping lists can be generated from the meal plan. If shopping is being provided by a third party this list can be sent to the person or service for collection.
- The safety of the Thermomix in the TM6 is unprecedented. The locking lid mechanism prevents fingers from coming in contact with blades or the lid from being opened during cooking.
Who can benefit from Thermomix?
Thermomix makes cooking easier for everyone, but those with limited cooking skills benefit the most from this smart connected appliance. The guided cooking and recipe presets of Thermomix can be the difference needed to allow someone to live independently.
For intellectual disabilities, the recipe platform allows greater flexibility in meal choices. Meal selection can be made on a computer, tablet, mobile phone, or the Thermomix machine. The TM6 has a large colour touch screen and presents an image of each recipe on the Cookidoo library. These recipes can be added to weekly meal plans. Depending on the level of disability a support worker may be needed to assist.
The guided cooking functions of the TM6 provide step-by-step instructions. Weighing of each ingredient is done by the TM6 as it's required and the cooking temperature, time, and blade speed are fully automated. An individual's ability will determine the level of assistance, if any, which is required during the cooking process.
For those with physical difficulties, Thermomix allows a safer cooking environment. The machine is able to do so many functions such as blend, stir, cook, chop, mince, heat, and boil. There is no need for additional pots and pans, knives, and other cooking utensils.
My Experience with Disabilities
I want to share a little bit about myself and our family circumstances so you understand why I believe Thermomix has so much to offer when it comes to assisting those with disabilities.
My eldest daughter was born with a severe disability. She had very high support needs and was on a pureed diet until age twelve when she eventually required a stoma and was fed directly into her stomach. During the period when she was physically able to swallow, she was very particular about her food! She loved her chocolate custard, pureed apricot chicken, and pureed sausage curry. It would not have been age appropriate or nutritionally sound for me to feed her baby food. If I tried, I'm sure she would have spat it at me!
How the Thermomix Helped Me
Having the Thermomix meant I could cook our family meals, then add Kaela's serving to the Thermomix. I would add some additional cream, milk, or stock and the powerful Thermomix motor provided a smooth puree. This was essential! Kaela had so much trouble swallowing food that the slightest lump would cause her to choke.
Now I realise that most people's support needs are not as high as my daughters were, however being part of the disability community has really opened my eyes to the possibilities this machine has in assisting people's lives. I have seen children and adults get such joy from making dishes that would have otherwise been beyond them. Dishes that would have too much knife work to be safe or too "chefy" to achieve.
Also, my brother-in-law has spina-bifida and a mild intellectual disability. He is a wheelchair user and cannot reach cooktops or use knives easily. My aim is to teach him how to use Thermomix to make his favourite dishes. By using guided cooking on the TM6 I hope he can eventually become more independent.
NDIS funding for the Thermomix
Every case will vary depending on the disability of the applicant and their individual needs. Thermomix funding has been approved in the past in circumstances where the TM6 is assisting in providing an outcome from one of the three categories outlined below.
The NDIS provides funding to participants with the aim of increasing independence and inclusion. Funding is designed to be flexible and to allow service innovation that would best serve the individual. Participants will need to have assistive technology funding in order to purchase a Thermomix or Kobold product.
NDIS Registered Mix Australia
Mix Australia is registered as an NDIS assistive technology and devices provider. They offer level 1 and 2 NDIS equipment to support people living with a disability and mobility issues, as well as their carers.
The Thermomix® TM6 and Kobold® products are categorised under Capital Supports (Assistive Technology – Support Category 5) as:
- Assistive products for household tasks; and
- Assistive products and accessories that are related to participating in household tasks
I would love to speak with you further. Please feel free to call, text, or email me. My details are as follows: Julie@thermokitchen.com.au or Ph: 0458 522915
What else can Thermomix offer NDIS Participants to assist in independent living?
As previously mentioned Thermomix is a registered NDIS provider for both the Kobold Vacuum and Mop System and Thermomix. Here is the current pricing of Thermomix® TM6 and Kobold® Vacuum.
I have found Thermomix must be purchased through assistive technology. Quite often other small value products that make the Thermomix even more useful (under $1500) are purchased from the consumables budget separately. In this instance, the purchase may be made by the participant and reimbursed by NDIS. To help you determine the appropriate budget for your purchases I have provided a list of items and their current pricing.
Thermomix® NDIS Products
Thermomix TM6 $2344 (GST FREE) - Assistive Technology
The current pricing for some of the most popular attachments and accessories makes them suitable for purchase through the consumables budget:
- Thermomix® Glider Board (Prevent dragging the TM6 to move on the bench): $119.95-$149.95
- Bowl, Blade, and Lid Set Thermomix®: $375
- Blade Cover and Peeler Thermomix® : $57.90
- Thermomix® Cutter: $199
Kobold® NDIS Products
Kobold® Cordless Vacuum (VK7) Mop Bundle: $2399 - Assistive Technology
The current pricing for the items below makes them suitable for purchase through the consumables budget:
- VK 7 Kobold® Cordless Vacuum: $1699
- Kobold® 2-in-1 Vacuum Mop attachment: $799
- Spare Battery Kobold®: $239
If you would like more information on using your consumables budget Hireup has a good article. It is always best to speak with your Support Coordinator or Plan Manager before making any purchases.
Thermokitchen Cooking Lessons
In addition to the usual Thermomix delivery set a briefing and introductory cook. Julie from ThermoKitchen is available for private or group cooking classes. These can be tailored to the participant's needs and can be designed to help build confidence while growing an expanding repertoire of recipes.
These are individually billed sessions and are available for participants who are plan-managed or self-managed. My business has an ABN but is not NDIS registered, so I am unable to offer this to those who are NDIA managed.
What Exactly Does the Thermomix Do?
If you're not exactly sure what the Thermomix is capable of why not take a look at this TM6 review?
Let’s Connect!
I share loads of great recipes on the page. Our community group page is a fabulous place to ask questions and share images of recipes you have made! It helps inspire others to cook new and interesting dishes.
If you want more Thermomix recipe ideas, please follow the ThermoKitchen FB Page.
For more Thermomix recipe inspiration LETS CONNECT on;
FACEBOOK
TWITTER INSTAGRAM PINTEREST YOUTUBE
Do you know someone with disabilities that Thermomix has helped live more independently? I would love to hear about the experience. Please feel free to share your story in the comments below.
In summary, Thermomix is safe, and reliable and provides consistent recipe results. It removes the risks of conventional cooking like open pots on hot stoves, sharp knives, and the need for multiple appliances and utensils.
If you would like to have a chat, please call or email julie@thermokitchen.com.au or Ph: 0458522915
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