functional capacity assessment &
Psychosocial FCA
for south australia
A Psychosocial Functional Capacity Assessment is a type of Functional Capacity Assessment (sometimes just called ‘FCA’) designed to provide comprehensive information about an individual’s ability to perform certain tasks related to their daily living function.
Functional Capacity Assessment
A Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCA) is an assessment designed to evaluate an individual's functional abilities and limitations, particularly in relation to their capacity to perform daily activities. This service helps to determine the level of support and types of interventions a person with a disability might need to achieve their goals, increase independence, or participate more fully in the community.
Key Aspects of FCA in NDIS:
The FCA assesses various aspects of a participant's physical and cognitive abilities, such as strength, flexibility, endurance, mobility, dexterity, and cognitive function.
Tailored to Individual Needs:
The evaluation is customised to the individual's specific circumstances, considering their goals, work environment, daily activities, and any potential barriers to participation.
Outcome-Oriented:
The results of the FCA provide valuable information for developing personalized plans and supports within the NDIS. This could include recommendations for assistive technology, therapy services, workplace modifications, or other supports necessary to help the participant achieve their goals.
Conducted by Qualified Professionals:
FCAs are usually conducted by allied health professionals, such as occupational therapists or physiotherapists, who have specialised training in assessing functional capacity.
Supports NDIS Planning:
The information from an FCA can be used by NDIS planners to make informed decisions about the types and levels of support a participant may need as part of their NDIS plan. It helps in ensuring that the participant's plan is aligned with their actual functional capabilities and needs.
Overall, a Functional Capacity Evaluation service in the NDIS is a crucial tool for understanding an individual's functional strengths and limitations, which in turn supports the effective allocation of resources and services to enhance their quality of life and participation in society.
Psychosocial Functional Capacity Assessment
The ‘Psychosocial’ element brings focus on a person’s psychological and social abilities, such as capacity related to communication and socialisation domains and is used when the primary disability is psychosocial. Although it may sound complex in phrasing, a Psychosocial FCA can be useful when communicating a comprehensive array of information, simply.
For example, the resulting report may include evidence for recommendations to be provided to the NDIA or provide information relevant to subsequent intervention for allied health professionals.
Psychosocial FCA’s can make recommendations designed to improve the overall wellbeing and function of an individual. Recommendations are tailored to the individual, with the aim of empowering them and enhancing their ability to engage in their daily lives effectively. It can provide a baseline for professionals to engage in interventions with up-to-date information about an individual’s current level of functioning, particularly when a meaningful period of time or impactful life changes have occurred that may have resulted in changes to functional capacity.
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Psychosocial FCA’s are important in helping persons make informed decisions about the support they wish to receive in order to reach their goals.
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To summarise, a Psychosocial FCA is an important tool for allied health professionals to be able to provide informed support to an individual, and also has merit in some instances when applying for NDIS funding. These types of FCA can be great tools for in the process of helping people improve their quality of life and attaining a more fully functional life.
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​Activ8 Mind provide psychosocial FCAs in Adelaide for those with current NDIS funding as part of the planning / review process as well as for pre NDIS plan approval (fees apply).
Steps for a Functional Capacity ASSESSMENT OR Psychosocial FCA
​​​Thinking that Functional Capacity Assessment or Psychosocial FCA may be for you, your loved one, or your client? These are the steps to engaging in Activ8 Mind’s FCA assessment.
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​​Speak with your Support Coordinator or other elected person who manages your NDIS plan about completing a referral with us. It is important to discuss at this step your reason(s) for wanting a Psychosocial FCA or Functional Capacity Assessement. What would you like to gain from the assessment? What is the purpose for you?
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Contact 1300 575 329 or fill out our form to begin the referral process. Our admin team can assist you through the initial steps of this process.
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Book an initial consultation with a practitioner. This may be a Occupational Therapist or Psychologist.
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Attend your initial consultation, which may be a 60 – 90 minute session. Our practitioners will help guide you through what to expect from the process, and gather some relevant information from you.
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Assessment. Our practitioners will engage with other relevant people in your life, to gather observational and assessment information.
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Report. Our practitioners will write and provide a report for the functional capacity assessment or psychosocial FCA, and provide to relevant persons, including a Support Coordinator, for example. You may also request a feedback appointment to discuss the report before it is finalised.
FCA FAQ
How do I know what kind of assessment I need?
What is the difference between an assessment by an Occupational Therapist and a Psychologist?
Can I access assessments through telehealth?
How long does assessment take?
How long will each appointment be?
How often will we meet?
What is the cancellation policy?
How do I make a booking?
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