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Occupational therapist assessing a client's posture and mobility during a functional capacity assessment

What is a Functional Capacity Assessment?

A functional capacity assessment (FCA) is a detailed evaluation of how you manage everyday activities. Conducted by an occupational therapist in your home, it looks at your physical, cognitive, and psychosocial abilities to build a clear picture of your support needs.

FCAs are commonly used for NDIS access requests, plan reviews, housing applications, and equipment funding. At Flourish Health, every assessment is conducted in your home so we can see how you actually function in your real environment. Assessments are also available via telehealth where appropriate.

  • In-home assessments across Melbourne metro
  • AHPRA-registered occupational therapists
  • NDIS plan-managed and self-managed participants
  • Detailed reports for NDIS plan reviews and access requests

What We Assess

Self-Care & Personal Hygiene

Bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and managing personal care routines independently or with support.

Meal Preparation & Nutrition

Planning, preparing, and cooking meals safely. Includes kitchen safety, equipment use, and dietary management.

Home & Household Management

Cleaning, laundry, home maintenance, managing finances, and maintaining a safe living environment.

Mobility & Transfers

Moving around your home and community, getting in and out of bed, chairs, and vehicles. Includes falls risk assessment.

Cognitive & Psychosocial Function

Memory, decision-making, problem-solving, emotional regulation, and social participation abilities.

Community Access & Participation

Using public transport, shopping, attending appointments, engaging in social activities, and accessing services.

When Is the Right Time for a Functional Capacity Assessment?

Knowing when to arrange an FCA can make a significant difference to the outcome. An FCA is most valuable when:

  • Your support needs have changed and your current NDIS plan no longer reflects your daily challenges
  • You are applying for NDIS access for the first time and need evidence of functional impact
  • Your NDIS plan review is approaching and you want strong, current evidence to support your funding request
  • You are transitioning to Supported Independent Living (SIL) or Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and need a detailed assessment of your 24-hour support needs
  • Your treating team, support coordinator, or plan manager has recommended an updated assessment
  • You need evidence for equipment or home modification funding through your NDIS plan

If you are unsure whether now is the right time, submit a referral or call us on (03) 7043 7778 and we can help you work out the best timing for your situation.

Understanding Functional Capacity Assessments

Who needs a functional capacity assessment?

FCAs are used across a range of situations where a clear, evidence-based understanding of a person's abilities and support needs is required. NDIS participants commonly need an FCA for:

  • NDIS access requests - demonstrating eligibility for the scheme
  • NDIS plan reviews - providing evidence for increased or adjusted funding
  • Supported Independent Living (SIL) applications - documenting 24-hour support needs
  • Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) applications - evidence for housing eligibility
  • Equipment and home modification funding - justifying the need for assistive technology or home changes
  • Return-to-work assessments - for TAC or WorkSafe clients

If you need an assessment specifically for Supported Independent Living, see our dedicated SIL assessment service.

Types of functional capacity assessments

Not all FCAs are the same. The type and depth of assessment depends on what it's being used for:

NDIS Access FCA

Comprehensive assessment to support initial NDIS access applications

Plan Review FCA

Focused assessment to evidence changes in support needs for plan reviews

SIL/SDA Assessment

Detailed daily support needs assessment for housing applications

Equipment Assessment

Targeted assessment to justify assistive technology or home modifications

The FCA process

Here's what to expect when you book a functional capacity assessment with Flourish Health:

  • Pre-assessment: We gather background information, review existing reports, and confirm the scope of the assessment with you and your support team
  • In-home assessment: Your OT visits your home to observe and assess how you manage everyday tasks in your real environment (typically 2–4 hours)
  • Standardised tools: We use validated assessment tools to measure your abilities objectively and consistently
  • Report writing: A detailed report is prepared within 5–10 business days, including findings, recommendations, and supporting evidence
  • Follow-up: We can discuss the report with you, your family, or your support team and assist with next steps

What's included in the FCA report

Your FCA report is a comprehensive document designed to be used by the NDIA, support coordinators, plan managers, and other professionals. Contact us to discuss your report needs. It typically includes:

  • Summary of your medical and disability history
  • Detailed assessment of functional abilities across all daily living domains
  • Results from standardised assessment tools
  • Current level of support required (formal and informal)
  • Recommendations for therapy, equipment, home modifications, or support services
  • Evidence-based justification aligned with NDIS funding categories

Why in-home FCAs are more accurate

Clinic-based assessments can miss critical details. When your OT assesses you at home, they see the real picture - the actual kitchen you cook in, the bathroom you use, the stairs you navigate.

In-home functional capacity assessments provide:

  • More accurate results because they reflect your real daily environment
  • Better equipment and home modification recommendations tailored to your exact space
  • Stronger evidence for NDIS because the assessment is contextually relevant
  • Less stress for you - no travel required, especially important if mobility is a barrier
  • Opportunity for family and carers to participate in the assessment process

Funding options for FCAs

Functional capacity assessments can be funded through several pathways.

Self-Managed NDIS

You manage your own NDIS funds and choose your providers directly.

  • Pay Flourish Health directly from your plan
  • Claim from the NDIS portal after each session
  • Full flexibility to choose any provider
We accept self-managed

Plan-Managed NDIS

A plan manager handles your invoicing and claims on your behalf.

  • Your plan manager handles invoices and claims
  • We work directly with plan managers
  • Can access registered and unregistered providers
We accept plan-managed

Private Pay

Self-fund your FCAs with no external funding or referral required.

Home Care Packages

FCAs can be included in your government-subsidised HCP.

TAC / WorkSafe

We accept Transport Accident Commission and WorkSafe Victoria funding.

Your FCA journey with Flourish Health

From your first contact to receiving your report, here's how the process works.

Step 1

Get in Touch

Call us, submit a referral, or have your support coordinator reach out.

Step 2

Pre-Assessment

We gather background info, review existing reports, and confirm the scope.

Step 3

Assessment

Your OT assesses how you manage daily tasks - in your home or via telehealth (2–4 hours).

Step 4

Report Writing

A detailed FCA report is prepared within 5–10 business days.

Step 5

Follow-Up

We discuss findings with you and your support team, and assist with next steps.

Book Your FCA

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a functional capacity assessment?

A functional capacity assessment (FCA) is a comprehensive evaluation conducted by an occupational therapist to determine how a person manages everyday tasks. It assesses physical, cognitive, and psychosocial abilities across areas like self-care, mobility, household tasks, and community participation. The results inform NDIS funding decisions, support plans, and therapy goals.

How long does a functional capacity assessment take?

A typical FCA takes between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the complexity of your needs. This includes the in-home assessment, observation of daily tasks, and discussion of your goals. The report is typically delivered within 2 to 3 weeks of the assessment, with expedited turnaround available for urgent cases.

Do I need a referral for an FCA?

No GP referral is needed. You, a family member, support coordinator, or plan manager can request an FCA directly. If you're an NDIS participant, your support coordinator or plan manager may arrange the referral on your behalf.

How is a functional capacity assessment funded?

Functional capacity assessments are commonly funded through NDIS Capacity Building supports. Your support coordinator or plan manager can confirm whether your plan has suitable funding before we book the assessment.

Can I use my NDIS plan to pay for an FCA?

Yes. Functional capacity assessments are typically funded under Capacity Building - Assessment and Therapy in your NDIS plan. We work with plan-managed and self-managed participants. Your support coordinator or plan manager can confirm your available funding.

What happens after the assessment?

After the assessment, your occupational therapist writes a detailed report outlining your functional abilities, support needs, and recommendations. This report can be used for NDIS plan reviews, access requests, housing applications, equipment funding, and therapy planning. We can also discuss the findings with your support team.

Where does the assessment take place?

We conduct FCAs in your home across Melbourne metro. In-home assessments are more accurate because your OT can observe how you manage tasks in your actual environment - your kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and outdoor spaces.

Who conducts the functional capacity assessment?

All FCAs at Flourish Health are conducted by AHPRA-registered occupational therapists with experience in NDIS assessments. Our OTs use validated, standardised assessment tools and are trained in writing reports that meet NDIA evidence requirements.

How should I prepare for my functional capacity assessment?

There is no special preparation needed. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing, having any relevant reports or medical documents available, and letting your OT know about any medications or conditions that may affect your performance on the day. If a family member or carer is usually involved in your daily routine, it can be helpful to have them present.

Will my FCA results influence my NDIS funding?

Yes. Your FCA report provides the evidence the NDIA uses to determine your support needs and funding levels. A thorough, well-documented FCA can support requests for increased funding, new support categories, or access to Supported Independent Living and Specialist Disability Accommodation.

Can't find what you're looking for? We're happy to help.

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Flourish Health therapist during a home visit in Melbourne

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