Why do I need a Functional Capacity Report?
Participants in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) often wonder if they need a Functional Capacity Assessment and what the purpose of this assessment is.
A Functional Capacity Assessment is one of the most important tools that can be used to establish if a person is eligible for funding through the NDIS.
The specific purpose of a Functional Capacity (or Capability) Assessment is to uncover what individual needs a person has, based on their capacity to perform everyday tasks (like eating, dressing, toileting etc.) and be involved in different areas of life, such as home, school, work and the wider community. Another way to put this is to say that this process is used to determine the limitations someone has in carrying out these activities, based on their disability or disabilities. It also considers what other factors in a person’s environment may impact their daily life.
A Functional Capacity Assessment, therefore, helps to highlight the specific services and supports a NDIS participant needs to be able to live well and with as much independence – and confidence – as possible. These supports and services may include physiotherapy, dietary advice, assistive technologies, counselling or psychological therapy etc.
Functional Capacity Assessments need to be done by a trained professional, such as LifeLift’s NDIS approved occupational therapists.
The vital Functional Capacity Report
Critically, a Functional Capacity Assessment done by LifeLift’s caring and professional occupational therapists involves the preparation of a formal Functional Capacity Report.
This document can be submitted to the NDIS to make it easier for the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to determine if a person is eligible for funding and how much. It’s helpful to think about this as your evidence that you require financial support to pay for important, life-changing services to make living with your disability easier.
You will receive a copy of your Functional Capacity Report and it will be reviewed by your NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator who will consider:
- What funding you are eligible to receive
- Which services and supports you are eligible to use the funding for
- Which NDIS support categories your funding will come under (Capacity Building, Capital Supports, Core Supports)
What’s in a Functional Capacity Report?
An evidence-based Functional Capacity Report is essential.
These comprehensive documents include a carefully considered plan to help NDIS participants boost their functioning and ability to carry out important everyday tasks, as well as consider how the plan will help a participant achieve their NDIS goals.
An example of an NDIS goal could be a participant wanting to improve their ability to prepare their own meals or shop independently.
At LifeLift, our reports are completed by the AHPRA registered occupational therapist (OT) who conducted your Functional Capacity Assessment, and will cover:
- Results of the assessment
This section outlines a person’s functional limitations and abilities as determined by the assessment ie. if a person has trouble feeding themselves or going to the toilet on their own, this will be noted in the report.
- Recommendations for services and supports that may assist you in your daily living and help achieve NDIS goals
^ This may include recommending a NDIS participant receives funding to access beneficial services such as OT, physiotherapy, dietary support, speech therapy, and behaviour supports.
It should also detail how long the services will be needed and how often, as well as the intended outcome for the participant and an explanation of why the recommendation is being made.
Information about previous therapies and supports a participant has engaged in, and their impacts, should also be included.
^ Assistive devices may be recommended
This can include wheelchairs, shower / bath / toilet rails, modified computers, pressure mattresses, ceiling hoists, and other larger home modifications.
The report should outline specifically how these devices will help a participant to live with greater independence and dignity.
The report will also explain:
- The therapy approach being recommended
- How this approach will help the NDIS participant achieve better functional capacity
- How the approach will help the NDIS participant advance towards their NDIS goals
Booking a Functional Capacity Report with LifeLift
A Functional Capacity Assessment and Report – which may cover areas including communication, mobility, learning, selfcare, cognitive function, social interaction, community engagement – can make a significant difference in helping obtain NDIS funding.
LifeLift’s experienced, empathetic therapists make the process of carrying out an assessment as simple as possible and will ensure you understand what’s involved every step of the way.
We will provide your report in a timely manner and will guide you through its findings and recommendations.
If your NDIS funding is approved, we are here to support the successful implementation of your plan, helping you achieve your NDIS goals so you can get the life lift you deserve.
Contact us now to book your Functional Capacity Assessment.
Have NDIS funding and want to arrange support?
