Functional Capacity Assessments (FCA)

An NDIS Functional Capacity Assessment is a comprehensive evaluation designed to assess an individual’s ability to perform everyday tasks and identify the level of support required. This assessment focuses on various aspects of daily life, including physical ability, cognitive function, social interaction/ community access, behavioural attributes, and personal care.

An FCA is an assessment that reviews an individual’s functional capacity across various aspects of daily life, their support needs and the identification of any assistive technology or home modifications needs, as well as identifying any capacity building support needs. It’s purpose is to help identify areas where an individual may require additional support, and guides the development of targeted intervention plans OR it can be used to support the individual at NDIS Plan Review, by providing supporting evidence to justify funding against the agreed NDIS Goals. By assessing a participant’s functional capacity, the report enables NDIS planners and support coordinators to allocate resources effectively and ensure greater independence for the individual.

Key areas assessed in an FCA:

• Brief history of disability/ diagnosis and the symptoms experienced as a result
• Assessment of the functional impact of any symptoms and the link to support needs
• Overview of Support (formal and informal) and longevity of this support considering life transitions
• Activities of Daily Living: Personal, Domestic and Community activities.
• Mobility and Transfers – including observation
• Sensory overview – physical function
• Review of living environment for suitability/ compatibility
• Assistive technology – existing and future needs
• Cognitive capacity including safety considerations
• Psychosocial interactions: Behavioural/ Social/ Communication/ Community access
• Standardised assessments as suitable and identified by the assessing OT e.g. WHODAS, CANS, MMSE, Carer Burden Scale, DASS 21 etc.

Steps involved:

• Referral and Service Agreement completion.
• Pre-assessment / referrer liaison – to agree the referral brief and to confirm any additional information needs and to identify the best people to be present at the assessment.
• Assessment with Participant (and relevant key stakeholders)
• Follow- up with Key Stakeholders as necessary/ gathering of evidence e.g. incident reports.
• Report production