Looking for a clear example of a functional capacity assessment report? You’re in the right place. This guide won’t just show you what a good report looks like—it will break down each section, explain why it’s crucial for your NDIS plan, and give you the confidence to navigate your assessment process.

A Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) report is one of the most important documents you can have in your NDIS journey. It provides the NDIS with a detailed picture of your functional capacity, the impact of your disability, and the supports you need to live a better life. A good report can be the key to unlocking the right level of funding.

What is a Functional Capacity Assessment?

A Functional Capacity Assessment is a comprehensive evaluation conducted by an Allied Health professional (like an Occupational Therapist) to understand how your disability affects your everyday life. It looks at your strengths, challenges, and your ability to perform daily activities across various environments like your home, work, and community. The final report provides evidence-based recommendations for the NDIS.

Why a Good Report Matters for Your NDIS Funding

The NDIS uses your FCA report to make informed decisions about your plan. A high-quality report clearly justifies the need for specific supports, services, and equipment.

Here’s why it’s so important:

  • Provides Objective Evidence: It translates your day-to-day experiences into a format the NDIS understands and trusts.
  • Justifies Funding Requests: It connects your needs directly to recommended supports, making it easier for the NDIS to approve funding.
  • Highlights Your Goals: A good report aligns the recommendations with your personal goals, showing how the right support will help you achieve them.
  • Reduces Review Requests: A clear, comprehensive report can prevent back-and-forth with the NDIS, leading to a faster, smoother planning process.

The Anatomy of a High-Quality FCA Report (An Example)

Let’s break down what a good Functional Capacity Assessment report example contains. We’ve structured this like a real report, explaining the purpose of each section.

1. Cover Page & Client Details

This is the first page of the report. It should be professional and easy to read.

Example Section: Cover Page

Confidential Functional Capacity Assessment Report

  • Client Name: [Your Name]
  • NDIS Number: [Your NDIS Number]
  • Date of Birth: [Your DOB]
  • Date of Assessment: [Date]
  • Date of Report: [Date]
  • Assessor Name & Title: [e.g., Jane Doe, Occupational Therapist]
  • Provider Name & Number: [e.g., MD Home Care, NDIS Provider No: XXXXXXX]

Why it’s important: This section provides all the essential identifying information at a glance, ensuring the report is correctly filed with your NDIS plan.

2. Introduction & Scope of Assessment

This part sets the scene. It explains who requested the assessment, why it was done, and what it covers.

Example Section: Introduction

This Functional Capacity Assessment was conducted at the request of [Client Name] to assess their functional capacity and provide recommendations for reasonable and necessary supports for their NDIS plan. The assessment was conducted at the client’s home on [Date] and focused on evaluating their ability to perform daily living tasks within the domains of self-care, mobility, and community participation.

Why it’s important: This clarifies the report’s purpose and manages expectations about what is and isn’t covered.

3. Background Information & Medical History

This section gives the NDIS context about you and your disability. It includes your living situation, support network, and relevant medical history.

Example Section: Background

  • Living Situation: Lives alone in a two-story house.
  • Support Network: Receives informal support from their daughter twice a week.
  • Primary Disability: [e.g., Multiple Sclerosis, diagnosed in 2018]
  • Secondary Conditions: [e.g., Chronic fatigue, anxiety]
  • Relevant Medical History: Summary of diagnoses, treatments, and current medications.

Why it’s important: This paints a holistic picture of your life and the environment in which you need support.

4. Assessment Methodology

This section lists the professional tools and methods the assessor used. This is crucial for showing the report is evidence-based.

Example Section: Methodology

The following standardized assessment tools and processes were used:

  • World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0)
  • In-home observation of Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
  • Semi-structured interview with the client and their primary carer
  • Review of previous medical and therapy reports

Why it’s important: It demonstrates that the assessor’s findings are based on objective, industry-recognized methods, adding weight and credibility to the recommendations.

5. Functional Capacity Evaluation Findings

This is the heart of the report. It details the assessor’s findings for different areas of your life, often broken down by NDIS life domains.

Example Section: Findings

Self-Care

Client has significant difficulty with showering and dressing due to fatigue and limited mobility. They require sit-down rests and adaptive equipment. It currently takes the client 45 minutes to shower and dress, posing a safety risk.

Mobility

Client can walk for up to 10 minutes with a walking stick before needing to rest. They are unable to use public transport independently due to physical access challenges and anxiety.

Social & Community Participation

Client expresses a strong desire to rejoin their local community garden but is unable to due to transportation difficulties and the physical demands of gardening.

Why it’s important: This section provides the specific, concrete evidence the NDIS needs to understand how your disability impacts you day-to-day.

6. Summary of Key Findings

This is a concise summary of the most important points from the evaluation.

Example Section: Summary

Overall, [Client Name]‘s functional capacity is significantly impacted by their [Disability]. The key areas of concern are self-care, community access, and home maintenance. Without appropriate support, the client is at risk of social isolation and physical injury.

Why it’s important: It gives the NDIS planner a quick, high-level overview of your needs.

7. Recommendations & Accommodations

This is the most critical section for your funding. It links the findings directly to recommended supports and explains why they are “reasonable and necessary.”

Example Section: Recommendations

Based on the assessment findings, the following supports are recommended:

  1. Improved Daily Living (CB Daily Activity): 5 hours per week of support from a support worker to assist with showering, meal preparation, and home safety.
    • Justification: To reduce fatigue, ensure safety, and improve overall wellbeing.
  2. Improved Relationships (CB Social): Funding for a support worker for 4 hours per week to facilitate community access, enabling the client to attend their community garden.
    • Justification: To support the client’s goals, reduce social isolation, and improve mental health.
  3. Assistive Technology: Funding for a shower chair and non-slip bathmat.
    • Justification: To mitigate the high risk of falls identified during the in-home assessment.

Why it’s important: This section tells the NDIS exactly what you need and why you need it, using their own language and categories.

How to Prepare for Your Functional Capacity Assessment

To get the most out of your FCA, preparation is key.

  • Keep a Diary: For a week or two before the assessment, jot down tasks you find difficult, how long they take, and how you feel afterward.
  • Gather Documents: Have any relevant medical reports or past therapy assessments ready for the assessor.
  • Think About Your Goals: Be ready to talk about what you want to achieve. Do you want to join a group, learn a new skill, or make your home life easier?
  • Be Honest: Don’t put on a brave face. The assessor needs to see the real you and your real challenges to write an accurate report.

What If You Disagree With Your Report?

If you receive your report and feel it doesn’t accurately represent your needs, you have options.

  1. Contact the Assessor: Your first step should be to talk to the therapist who wrote the report. There may have been a misunderstanding that can be easily corrected.
  2. Request an Addendum: The assessor may be able to add an amendment or addendum to the report to include missing information or clarify a point.
  3. Seek a Second Opinion: If you cannot resolve the issue, you are entitled to get a second assessment from a different provider.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much does a functional capacity assessment cost?

The cost is funded by your NDIS plan, typically under ‘Improved Daily Living’ (Capacity Building). The NDIS sets a price limit, and most providers charge according to this.

Who can perform a functional capacity assessment?

FCAs are conducted by qualified Allied Health professionals, most commonly Occupational Therapists (OTs).

How long is a functional capacity report valid for?

A good report is a snapshot in time. While there is no official expiry date, the NDIS may request a new one if your circumstances or needs change significantly.

Get Expert Help with Your NDIS Journey

Navigating the NDIS can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. A well-written Functional Capacity Assessment report is a powerful tool to get the support you deserve.

At MD Home Care, our team of experienced professionals can help you through every step of the process.

  • Expert Assessments: Our qualified therapists conduct thorough assessments to create reports that get results.
  • Dedicated Support: We help you understand your plan and connect you with the right services.

Contact MD Home Care today for a free consultation and let us help you build a better life with the right NDIS support.