Functional Capacity
Assessment Melbourne
Comprehensive in-home assessments to understand your abilities, identify support needs, and inform NDIS funding decisions.
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.
- 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.
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. Common reasons include:
- NDIS access requests - demonstrating eligibility for the scheme
- NDIS plan reviews - providing evidence for increased or adjusted funding
- Supported Independent Living (SIL) applications - documenting the level of daily support required
- 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
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. 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
Plan-Managed NDIS
A plan manager handles your invoicing and claims on your behalf.
- Your plan manager pays Flourish Health directly
- No upfront cost to you
- Can access registered and unregistered providers
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a functional capacity assessment?
How long does a functional capacity assessment take?
Do I need a referral for an FCA?
How much does a functional capacity assessment cost?
Can I use my NDIS plan to pay for an FCA?
What happens after the assessment?
Where does the assessment take place?
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