Functional Capacity Assessments in Melbourne
Best Of You provides Functional Capacity Assessments (FCAs) for NDIS participants across Melbourne's inner and south-eastern suburbs, with telehealth options available where appropriate.
Our experienced Senior Occupational Therapists assess how you manage everyday activities, identify your strengths and support needs, and provide practical recommendations to help you work towards your goals.
Following the assessment, we prepare a comprehensive Functional Capacity Assessment report outlining our findings, the impact of your disability on everyday living and recommendations for appropriate supports.
These reports can provide supporting evidence for NDIS planning and funding decisions.
What is a Functional Capacity Assessment
A Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) is a comprehensive Occupational Therapy assessment that explores how a person's disability affects their ability to manage everyday activities and participate in daily life.
The assessment considers areas such as personal care, household tasks, mobility, communication, social participation and community access. It also considers a person's strengths, goals, current supports and any barriers to independence.
The information gathered helps our Occupational Therapists understand the support a person may need. Findings are documented in a detailed report, which can be used to provide evidence of functional needs and inform NDIS planning and funding decisions.
What Does a Functional Capacity Assessment Involve
Every Functional Capacity Assessment is tailored to the participant's individual circumstances, needs and goals. The process generally involves four stages.
1. Initial Consultation
Our Occupational Therapist meets with the participant to discuss their goals, daily routines, current supports and the challenges they experience. Family members, carers or Support Coordinators can be involved where appropriate and with the participant's consent.
2. Functional Assessment
We explore how the participant manages everyday activities, which may include personal care, household tasks, mobility, communication and community participation.
Our Occupational Therapists may use standardised assessment tools, clinical observations and information from other relevant professionals to develop a comprehensive understanding of functional abilities and support needs.
3. Review of Supporting Information
Where relevant, we review existing reports, medical information, NDIS goals and feedback from the participant's support network. This helps us understand the participant's circumstances and develop appropriate recommendations.
4. Report Preparation
Following the assessment, we prepare a detailed Functional Capacity Assessment report outlining our findings, the functional impact of the participant's disability and recommendations for supports that may assist with everyday living and participation.
The completed report can be used as supporting evidence during NDIS planning, reassessment or requests for changes to supports.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Description text goes hereA Functional Capacity Assessment typically requires approximately 8–10 hours of Occupational Therapy time. This includes the assessment, review of relevant information, clinical analysis and preparation of the final report.
The actual time required depends on the participant's individual circumstances, support needs and assessment complexity.
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Yes, some Functional Capacity Assessments can be completed through telehealth, depending on the participant's needs and circumstances.
Our Occupational Therapists will determine whether telehealth is clinically appropriate or whether a face-to-face assessment is required. In some cases, a combination of both may be recommended.
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The cost of a Functional Capacity Assessment depends on the time required to complete the assessment and prepare the report.
Best Of You charges the applicable Occupational Therapy hourly rate, with any relevant travel costs discussed beforehand. We provide a Service Agreement outlining our rates and anticipated services before commencing.
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Yes. We welcome referrals from Support Coordinators, participants, family members, carers and other health professionals.
Once we receive a referral, we'll discuss the participant's needs, confirm the necessary consent and funding arrangements and organise the next steps.
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Report preparation time depends on the complexity of the assessment, the information required and current clinician availability.
We'll discuss an expected timeframe when arranging the assessment and keep you informed throughout the process.
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Yes. A Functional Capacity Assessment report can provide supporting evidence for an NDIS plan reassessment or a request for changes to existing supports.
The report outlines the impact of a participant's disability on everyday activities, their current support needs and recommendations for appropriate supports. The NDIA considers this information alongside other evidence when making funding decisions. An FCA does not guarantee funding approval.
Ready to Arrange a Functional Capacity Assessment?
Whether you're an NDIS participant, family member or Support Coordinator, we're here to help you take the next step.
Get in touch to discuss your needs, our current availability and how to arrange an assessment with one of our experienced Senior Occupational Therapists.