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Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA)
An Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) is a comprehensive occupational therapy assessment that looks at how a person manages everyday activities and participates in daily life.
Rather than focusing on diagnosis alone, an FCA examines how a person’s condition impacts independence, safety, and community participation.
What is a FCA used for?
Functional Capacity Assessments are commonly used to:
• Support NDIS access requests or plan reviews
• Clarify functional support needs
• Justify ongoing or increased supports
• Identify risks to independent living and participation
What areas are assessed?
FCA may assess:
• Personal care and self-care
• Household and daily living tasks
• Community access and participation
• Independent living skills and routines
• Cognitive and executive functioning
• Physical function, pain, fatigue, and mobility
• Mental health and emotional regulation impacts
• Environmental factors affecting daily function
Assessments focus on functional impact in real-life contexts.
How is the assessment completed?
Our Occupational Therapists use a combination of:
• Clinical interviews
• Observation of functional tasks
• Standardised assessment tools (where appropriate)
• Review of relevant reports
• Environmental and support analysis
This allows for a holistic understanding of functional capacity.
What does the FCA report include?
A written report is provided outlining:
• Functional strengths and limitations
• Impact on daily living and independence
• Current supports and unmet needs
• Risks if adequate supports are not in place
• Clear, evidence-based recommendations
Where appropriate, recommendations align with NDIS supports.
Who is this assessment suitable for?
An Adult FCA may be suitable for adults who:
• Are applying for or reviewing an NDIS plan
• Live with disability, chronic health conditions, or neurological conditions
• Experience psychosocial disability impacting daily function
• Require support to live safely and independently
If you are unsure whether an Adult Functional Capacity Assessment is suitable for you, please contact our team to discuss your needs and options.
Looking for a Paediatric Functional Capacity Assessment?
If you are seeking a Functional Capacity Assessment for a child or young person, please visit our Paediatric Services page for more information about our paediatric assessments and supports.
