Functional Capacity Assessments: What are they, and why do we need them?
What is a Functional Capacity Assessment?
Functional Capacity Assessments (FCAs) are comprehensive evaluations designed to assess an individual’s ability to perform a range of work or school-related tasks and daily occupations.
It is valuable in creating a CLEAR picture of what an individual can safely and effectively DO.
An FCA specifically:
- Identifies an individual’s particular limitations and strengths
- Recommends interventions, equipment and support/professionals to improve their function and wellbeing.
Who are Functional Capacity Assessments done by?
These assessments are undertaken by Occupational Therapists, who conduct interviews (with clients, families & relevant professionals), review medical history, use standardised assessment tools and ultimately undertake clinical observation to reach their assessment outcomes.
These assessments help in identifying specific needs and developing strategies/recommendations to enhance a person’s independence and quality of life.
What is Assessed?
During their assessment, the clinician gathers information and seeks to identify concerns and understand, amongst others, some of the following (these will vary depending on the person):
- Skills
- Strengths
- Challenges
- Memory/executive function
- Fine and gross motor skills
- Social skills
- Sensory processing
- Emotional regulation
- Accessing the community
- Activities of daily living
What Type of Tasks are Involved?
Some examples of tasks you might undertake include the following:
The clinician will seek to identify what level of assistance may be required for participation in some of these daily activities.
When are they Conducted?
FCAs are conducted at various stages, including the following:
- Start of a new NDIS plan
- During significant changes in circumstances
- When there is a need to support applications for additional funding.
What Comes Next?
If you think an FCA might be beneficial for you or someone you care for, consult your NDIS plan to see if it includes funding for an FCA. If not, capacity-building funds might be used to support it.
Feel free to reach out to us for more information or to schedule an assessment!
