A Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) is an evaluation tool typically completed by an Occupational Therapist (OT) that is recognised by the NDIS that outlines an individual’s ability to perform daily activities. It identifies areas where support is needed and assesses various aspects of daily living such as :

• Self-care 
• Communication 
• Social interaction 
• Learning 
• Mobility 
• Self-management skills 

The purpose of a FCA is to:

• Understand the impact of a person’s disability on their ability to perform everyday tasks. 
• Helps the NDIS allocate appropriate support and funding to ensure that the person is able to live a meaningful life. 
• An FCA report includes recommendations for support and intervention. 
• The report can be used by NDIS planners to tailor the participant’s support plan as necessary. 

When referring for an FCA at Concentric, outlined below are the usual steps taken: 

Referral received

Our Central Support Team refers to an OT and ensures that a minimum of ten hours is available to complete the FCA.

OT completes Schedule of Supports (SOS) for the FCA

The allocated OT will complete an SOS for the client, where the funding will be broken down into the necessary sessions and report writing time. 

Three hours of information gathering

This may include face to face sessions with the client and relevant stakeholders in the form of in person, telehealth and/or non-direct liaison to gather information about the client’s function and complete formal assessment. 

Six hours of report writing 

A minimum of six hours is set aside to write a high quality FCA Report. 

One hour of report review

A minimum of one hour is set aside for a Clinical Mentor to review the FCA report for quality control, and ensure clinical governance and appropriate recommendations.

Please note that with more complex clients, a clinician may ask for additional hours to complete the above process, if they have assessed that additional liaison with stakeholders is needed in order to gather adequate information. 

A paediatric FCA from Concentric would generally contain the following components: 

• Medical and developmental history
• Physical assessment
• Cognitive and communication skills
• Self-care and daily living skills
• Social and emotional functioning
• Sensory processing
• Educational and play activities
• Environmental assessment 

An adult and mental health FCA at Concentric would generally contain the following components:

• Medical history and background information
• Current supports
• Physical assessment
• Cognitive and communication skills
• ADL and IADL’s
• Social interaction
• Psychological and behavioural factors

At Concentric, our OT’s  recommend the following items in their FCA’s:

Core funding:

• Supported Independent Living (SIL) 
• Consumables
• Low-cost Assistive Technology

Capacity-building funding:

• Plan Management
• Support Coordination
• Allied Health (Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Speech Pathology, Exercise Physiology, Podiatry, Nursing)

Capital funding

• Assistive Technology
• Fully Accessible Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)

If you would like to know more about Concentric FCA’s or wish to refer for one, please contact our Support Team on 1300 148 160 or email referrals@concentric.com.au.