A functional capacity assessment (sometimes referred to as a functional capability assessment) is an evaluation that is used to determine a person’s functional abilities and limitations in performing everyday activities. It is typically used in the context of disability, injury, or illness, and is often performed by healthcare professionals such as occupational therapists, physiotherapists, or medical specialists.

The purpose of functional assessments is to assess a person’s current functional status, identify any areas where they may require support or assistance, and develop a plan to help them achieve their goals and improve their overall function. The assessment may involve observation of the person performing various tasks and activities, as well as interviews with the person, their family members or carers, and other healthcare professionals involved in their care.

The NDIS functional capacity assessment may cover a wide range of areas, including personal care, mobility, communication, social interaction, work, and leisure activities. Depending on the person’s specific needs, the assessment may also include measures of strength, endurance, range of motion, or cognitive function.

The information gathered during a functional assessment is used to develop a detailed report that outlines the person’s functional abilities and limitations, as well as recommendations for daily living support and services to help them achieve their goals. This may include recommendations for assistive devices, modifications to the person’s home or workplace, or specific therapies, such as employment counselling, or interventions to improve their function.

Functional capacity assessments (FCAs) evaluate a person’s ability to perform various physical and/or cognitive tasks and activities of daily living. The specific areas evaluated may vary depending on the purpose of the assessment and the individual’s needs and goals, but some common areas that are evaluated during FCAs include:

• Personal care: The ability to perform activities such as dressing, bathing, grooming, and toileting.
• Mobility: The ability to move around independently, including walking, climbing stairs, and using mobility aids such as crutches or wheelchairs.
• Communication: The ability to communicate effectively through speech, writing, or other means.
• Work tasks: The ability to perform work-related tasks, such as lifting, carrying, and operating machinery in a labour work environment, or typing, walking and standing in an office environment
• Leisure and social activities: The ability to engage in hobbies, sports, and social activities.
• Cognitive function: The ability to perform tasks that require thinking, memory, and decision-making, such as following instructions or managing finances

Functional capacity assessments (FCAs) are typically performed by healthcare professionals who have specialised training and expertise in assessing a person’s functional abilities and limitations. The specific type of healthcare professional who performs the FCA may depend on the individual’s needs and the purpose of the assessment.

Some common types of healthcare professionals who may perform FCAs include:

• Occupational therapists: Occupational therapists are trained to evaluate a person’s ability to perform activities of daily living, such as self-care, work tasks, and leisure activities. They may also assess a person’s need for assistive devices or environmental modifications to improve their function.
• Physiotherapists: Physiotherapists are trained to evaluate a person’s physical function, including mobility, strength, and range of motion. They may also assess a person’s need for therapeutic exercises or other interventions to improve their function.
• Medical specialists: Depending on the person’s medical condition, a medical specialist such as a neurologist or orthopaedic surgeon may be involved in the FCA to provide expertise in a specific area.

The length of a functional capacity assessment can vary depending on several factors, such as the complexity of the evaluation, the specific areas being assessed, and the individual’s needs and goals.