Comprehensive Occupational Therapy Assessments – Melbourne & Adelaide
At Pelorus OT, we provide Functional Capacity Assessments (FCA) to understand an individual’s ability to participate in everyday activities and to inform appropriate supports under the NDIS and other funding pathways. Our AHPRA registered occupational therapists conduct thorough, evidence-informed assessments across Melbourne and Adelaide, focusing on real-life function, independence, and participation.
A Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) is an Occupational Therapy report that evaluates how a person manages daily activities such as self-care, mobility, communication, learning, and social participation, and helps the NDIS determine appropriate funding and support levels. It includes assessment findings, support needs, and tailored recommendations for therapy, assistive technology, and daily living supports to support plan reviews or access requests. At Pelorus OT, the report is typically completed within 10–14 business days and provided in an NDIS-ready format for GPs, support coordinators, or planners. Referrals can be made via a GP, allied health professional, or support coordinator.
What is a Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA)?
A Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) is a comprehensive Occupational Therapy assessment that evaluates how an individual manages everyday activities across different environments such as home, community, and work or study settings.
The purpose of an FCA is to:
- Understand a person’s current functional abilities
- Identify areas where support may be helpful
- Provide evidence-based recommendations for supports, therapies, or services
- Inform NDIS funding decisions, including supports such as SIL, SDA, or ongoing therapy
An FCA looks at the whole person, including physical, cognitive, emotional, and environmental factors, and how these impact daily life.
What is Covered in an FCA?
At Pelorus OT, our Functional Capacity Assessment reports are detailed and structured to provide a clear picture of the individual’s needs and supports required.
Our FCA typically includes:
Background and Summary
We gather detailed information about the individual’s history, current supports, and goals. This includes medical history, living situation, and existing services.
NDIS Goals
We review the participant’s NDIS goals and ensure that recommendations are aligned with these goals and future planning.
Primary and Secondary Disability
We document the individual’s primary diagnosis (if applicable) and any secondary conditions that may impact function and participation.
Medical and Functional History
This includes relevant medical background, previous interventions, and how the individual’s condition impacts daily life.
Social and Living Environment
We assess:
- Current living arrangements
- Informal supports (family, carers)
- Formal supports (support workers, therapists)
Functional Capacity Across Daily Activities
We assess the individual’s ability to perform everyday activities, including:
- Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as personal care, hygiene, dressing, and eating
- Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) such as cooking, shopping, managing appointments, and community access
Cognitive and Executive Functioning
We assess areas such as attention, memory, problem-solving, planning, and decision-making.
Communication and Social Participation
We evaluate how the individual communicates and engages in social and community settings.
Standardised Assessments
Where appropriate, in our functional capacity assessments, we use standardised assessment tools such as WHODAS (World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule) and Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales to support objective measurement of functional abilities. These tools complement clinical observations and help provide a comprehensive understanding of the individual’s functioning.
Environmental Factors
We consider how the home and community environment impacts function, including accessibility, safety, and sensory factors.
Summary and Recommendations
The report includes clear, evidence-based recommendations tailored to the individual. This may include therapy supports, assistive technology, home modifications, or changes in support levels.
Reasonable and Necessary Criteria (NDIS)
Our reports align recommendations with the NDIS Reasonable and Necessary criteria. This ensures that all suggested supports are evidence-based, directly related to the participant’s disability, and appropriate to achieve their goals and improve functional capacity through functional capacity assessments.
Our FCA Process at Pelorus OT
We follow a structured and transparent process to ensure a thorough and high-quality assessment.
1. Initial Consultation
We begin with an in-depth consultation to understand the individual’s background, goals, and current challenges.
This includes:
- Medical and functional history
- NDIS goals and support context
- Detailed discussion of ADLs and IADLs
- Input from the participant, family, and support network
2. Functional Assessments
We conduct practical, real-life assessments to understand how the individual manages daily activities.
Depending on the individual’s needs, this may include:
- Tea & Toast Assessment (basic meal preparation and safety)
- Shopping Assessment (community access and functional independence)
- Money Management Assessment (if relevant)
- Home and Living Assessment (environmental safety and suitability)
These assessments allow us to observe functional abilities in meaningful contexts.
3. Draft Report Preparation
Following the assessments, we prepare a detailed draft report that reflects the findings, analysis, and recommendations.
4. Internal Clinical Review
All FCA reports are reviewed by a senior or Head Occupational Therapist to ensure clinical quality, consistency, and alignment with best practice.
5. Release of Draft Report
The draft report is shared for review. This allows for clarification of factual details if required.
6. Final Report and Sign-Off
Once the invoice is finalised, the signed FCA report is released. This report can then be used for NDIS planning, reviews, or other relevant purposes.
Our Approach
At Pelorus OT, we take a person-centred and neuro-affirming approach to Functional Capacity Assessments.
We focus on understanding the individual’s strengths, preferences, and support needs, rather than taking a deficit-based view. Our goal is to provide recommendations that are practical, meaningful, and aligned with the individual’s everyday life.
Why Choose Pelorus OT for FCA?
- AHPRA registered occupational therapists
- Detailed, structured, and evidence-informed reports
- Strong understanding of NDIS requirements and expectations
- Functional, real-life assessment approach
- Internal quality review by senior clinicians
- Services available across Melbourne and Adelaide
- Conduct comprehensive FCAs by AHPRA registered Occupational Therapist to evaluate client's ability to perform everyday tasks
- Identify areas of concern and develop a personalized plan to enhance function and performance.
- Prioritize a client-centered approach to ensure each client receives the support they need.
- Determine a person's physical and cognitive capachttps://www.ahpra.gov.au/occupational-therapyities, including endurance, strength, coordination, balance, and problem-solving abilities.
- Use a range of assessment techniques, including standardized tests, observation, and hands-on evaluations
We deliver evidence-based Functional Capacity Assessments (FCA) with clear clinical reasoning and practical, outcome-focused recommendations. We ensure a professional, respectful process so you feel informed and supported. Fill in the referral form to arrange your initial consultation and commence your assessment.