Functional Capacity Assessments
Functional Capacity Assessment Ellenbrook & Perth | NDIS FCA Reports
Understand your needs. Access the right funding. Achieve your goals.
At Urban Health HQ, we provide comprehensive Functional Capacity Assessments (FCAs) for children, adolescents and adults living with disability throughout Ellenbrook, Aveley, The Vines, Brabham, Midland and surrounding Perth suburbs.
A Functional Capacity Assessment is a detailed Occupational Therapy assessment that looks at how a person’s disability impacts their daily life, independence, safety and participation in the community. The assessment helps identify support needs and provides evidence-based recommendations for NDIS funding, services, assistive technology and future planning.
Whether you’re applying for the NDIS, preparing for a plan review, requesting additional funding, or simply looking to better understand your support needs, our experienced Occupational Therapists can help.
What Is a Functional Capacity Assessment?
A Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) is a comprehensive evaluation completed by an Occupational Therapist to determine how a person’s disability affects their ability to complete everyday activities.
The assessment explores areas such as:
- Personal care and self-care
- Mobility and transfers
- Household tasks
- Communication
- Social participation
- Daily routines and independence
- Community access
- Learning and employment
- Emotional regulation
- Cognitive functioning
- Safety awareness
The goal is to build a clear picture of how a person functions in their day-to-day life and what supports may be required to improve independence, participation and quality of life.
Practical, evidence-based assessments to help you get the most out of daily life.
The Functional Capacity Assessment Process
Every assessment is tailored to the participant, however the process generally includes:
Initial Discussion
We take the time to understand your goals, current supports, concerns and daily challenges.
Assessment Appointment
The assessment may take place:
▪ At our Ellenbrook clinic
▪ In your home
▪ In the community
▪ Via a combination of settings
We assess functional performance across a range of daily activities and gather information from the participant and their support network.
Information Gathering
With consent, we may review:
▪ Existing reports
▪ Medical documentation
▪ Therapy reports
▪ School reports
▪ Support worker observations
▪ Family and carer feedback
Report Writing
Following the assessment, we prepare a comprehensive report outlining:
▪ Functional strengths
▪ Areas of difficulty
▪ Current support requirements
▪ Risks and barriers
▪ Recommendations
▪ NDIS funding considerations
Who can benefit from a FCA?
We complete Functional Capacity Assessments for people living with a wide range of disabilities and health conditions, including:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Functional Capacity Assessments can help identify support needs relating to communication, emotional regulation, sensory processing, executive functioning, community participation and daily living skills.
Intellectual Disability
An FCA can provide evidence regarding supervision requirements, decision-making support, daily living skills and community access needs.
Psychosocial Disability
We assess how mental health conditions impact daily functioning, routine management, self-care, social participation and independence.
Multiple Sclerosis
Assessments can identify the impact of fatigue, mobility limitations, cognitive changes and reduced endurance.
Acquired Brain Injury
We assess cognitive functioning, memory, planning, safety awareness and community participation.
Cerebral Palsy
An FCA can help identify mobility supports, equipment requirements and assistance needed with daily activities.
Neurological Conditions
Including Parkinson’s Disease, Functional Neurological Disorder, Stroke and other neurological conditions affecting daily function.
Functional Capacity Assessments for NDIS Access
Many people seek an FCA when applying for access to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
An FCA can provide detailed evidence regarding:
- The impact of disability on daily functioning
- Areas where support is required
- Functional limitations
- Risks and safety concerns
- Long-term support requirements
While an FCA does not guarantee NDIS access, it can provide valuable supporting evidence alongside diagnostic reports and other professional documentation.
Functional Capacity Assessments for NDIS Plan Reviews
One of the most common reasons people request an FCA is to support an NDIS plan review.
As circumstances change, support needs may increase due to:
- Changes in health
- Increased care requirements
- Progression of disability
- Changes in living arrangements
- Transition to adulthood
- School-to-work transitions
- Increased community participation goals
A Functional Capacity Assessment can provide objective evidence to support requests for:
- Increased Core Supports
- Capacity Building Supports
- Support Coordination
- Assistive Technology
- Home Modifications
- Therapy Funding
- Specialist Disability Accommodation (where appropriate)
What Is Included In The Report?
Our reports typically include:
- Background information
- Medical and disability history
- Current supports
- Assessment findings
- Functional capacity across daily living domains
- Standardised assessment results (where appropriate)
- Analysis of support needs
- Recommendations
- NDIS-aligned justification
Our goal is to provide clear, practical recommendations that accurately reflect the participant’s needs.
Why Choose Urban Health HQ?
Experienced NDIS Clinicians
Our team has experience working with children and adults across a wide range of disabilities and support needs.
Person-Centred Approach
We focus on understanding the individual behind the report and ensuring recommendations reflect their goals, preferences and daily reality.
Practical Recommendations
We don’t simply identify challenges—we provide practical recommendations designed to improve independence, safety and participation.
Local Service
Based in Ellenbrook, we proudly support participants throughout Perth’s north-eastern suburbs, including:
- Ellenbrook
- Aveley
- The Vines
- Brabham
- Dayton
- Caversham
- Midland
- Guildford
- Swan Valley
- Morley
- Ballajura
Collaborative Process
We work closely with participants, families, support coordinators and other health professionals to ensure recommendations are meaningful and achievable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can the FCA report be used for?
The report can be used for NDIS funding applications, plan reviews, therapy planning, and service recommendations. It gives a clear overview of your current abilities, challenges, and support needs.
How long does the assessment usually take?
The face-to-face assessment usually takes 2–3 hours. After this, our clinicians prepare a detailed report which is completed within 2–4 weeks.
Can I get an urgent report if my plan review is soon?
Yes, if your plan review is coming up quickly, please let us know. We’ll do our best to prioritise your assessment and report to meet important deadlines.
Do I need a referral for an FCA?
No, you don’t need a GP referral to book a Functional Capacity Assessment with Urban Health HQ. You can contact us directly to arrange an appointment or fill out the form below.
How long does the report take?
Most reports are completed within 2–4 weeks following the assessment.
Do I need an FCA for an NDIS review?
Not always. However, an FCA can provide valuable evidence when requesting changes to supports or funding.
Can assessments be completed at home?
Yes. Home visits are available where appropriate.
Will the NDIS automatically approve recommendations?
The NDIS considers a range of evidence when making funding decisions. While recommendations are not automatically approved, a detailed FCA can provide important supporting information.
Can children have a Functional Capacity Assessment?
Yes. We complete assessments for children, adolescents and adults.
Need a Functional Capacity Assessment?
Submit a referral and we’ll take it from there — guiding the process from assessment through to a clear, comprehensive report.
Urban Health HQ 