What Is a Functional Capacity Assessment?
A Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) is a comprehensive evaluation conducted by an occupational therapist to understand how a person manages everyday activities. It looks at what someone can do independently, where they need support, and what barriers they face in their daily life.
FCAs are used to provide evidence for funding applications, plan reviews, and care planning. They give a clear, professional picture of a person's strengths, limitations, and support needs.
When Is an FCA Needed?
Functional Capacity Assessments are commonly requested for:
- NDIS access requests - Supporting applications to join the NDIS
- NDIS plan reviews - Providing evidence for changes in funding or supports
- Home Care Package applications - Helping older adults access appropriate aged care funding
- Supported accommodation - Informing SIL and SDA decisions
- Private referrals - Where a professional opinion on functioning is required
What Does an FCA Involve?
An FCA is more than just a checklist. Our occupational therapists spend time understanding the whole person and their circumstances. A typical assessment includes:
- Interview and goal-setting - Understanding what the participant wants to achieve and what matters to them
- Functional observations - Watching how the person completes everyday tasks like cooking, showering, or moving around their home
- Standardised assessment tools - Using validated measures to provide objective data
- Environmental review - Looking at the home setup and community access
- Discussion with family and carers - Gathering information from people who know the participant well
The assessment usually takes place in the participant's home, though additional sessions in the community may be required depending on the purpose of the report.
What You Receive
After the assessment, you receive a detailed written report that includes:
- A summary of the participant's current functioning
- Identified areas of strength and difficulty
- Specific barriers to participation
- Recommendations for supports, equipment, and interventions
- Evidence-based justification for funding requests
Reports are written to meet the specific requirements of the funding body, whether that is the NDIS, My Aged Care, or a private referrer.
How Long Does It Take?
From the initial referral to receiving the final report, most FCAs are completed within 3 to 4 weeks. Urgent reports can be prioritised in some cases.
Service Areas
We complete FCAs across Melbourne and Western Sydney, including urgent availability in the South-East Melbourne area and Liverpool. Our therapists travel to participants in their homes or preferred community settings.
Getting Started
If you need a Functional Capacity Assessment, the referral process is straightforward. Fill out the form on our [referral page](/referrals) with the participant's details and the purpose of the assessment, and our team will be in touch to discuss next steps.
For more information, email admin@ergotherapygroup.com.au.