Understanding Functional Capacity Assessments (FCA)
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What is a Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA)?
A Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) is an evaluation designed to assess an individual’s physical, cognitive, and functional abilities in relation to daily activities. It helps determine a person’s capacity to perform tasks independently or identify the support they require.
The assessment typically includes:
- Observations of daily living tasks
- Interviews with relevant stakeholders
- Review of reports by other professionals
- Undertaking assessments appropriate for the individual’s diagnosis
What Does an FCA Involve?
Why is an FCA Conducted?
Within the NDIS space, FCAs are typically conducted for three main reasons:
- Determining the amount of funding a person needs to live safely in their home, especially if previous NDIS funding was insufficient.
- To assist with a change in housing situation — FCAs are required when a person with NDIS funding moves into alternative accommodation.
- To establish a baseline for skill building.
How to Prepare for an FCA
To ensure an accurate assessment, clients should:
- Have a stakeholder present (e.g., a family member or support worker) who knows you well.
- Provide any relevant reports that can help your OT understand your history.
- Connect your OT with other health professionals involved in your care.
- Be open and share what your life is like on your worst day — this ensures your support needs are properly documented for NDIS.
What Happens After the FCA?
Following the assessment:
- A report will be provided summarising the functional impact of a person’s disability on their daily life.
- It will include recommendations for support needs.
- You may be offered ongoing therapy or other services.
These reports are typically deficits-focused and can be confronting to read, but they are essential for the NDIS to make informed funding decisions.
Do I Need an FCA or a Summary/Progress Report?
You may need an FCA if you are:
- Seeking substantial changes to your NDIS plan.
- Looking to include assistive technology (AT) or home modifications after a plan review.
For more routine funding with no major changes, a progress report might be sufficient.
What is a Summary/Progress Report?
These reports:
- Outline changes and progress over a therapy period.
- Often include outcome measurement tools.
- Are required by the NDIS at the end of each plan period to justify the funding used and the need for continued therapy.
Tip: Book this in around three months before your NDIS plan review to give your therapist enough time to prepare.
