NDIS Functional Capacity Assessment and Choosing the Right NDIS Provider in Sydney

Functional capacity assessment in NDIS is done to determine the needs of each participant. It is a support to help the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) analyze each participant’s needs so they can fund their support accordingly. 

What is NDIS?

NDIS stands for National Disability Insurance Scheme. It is a disability program legislated in 2013 and went into operation in 2020. It covers a wide range of support services for its participants who have any significant or permanent impairments. This program aims to help them live as independently as possible and become self-reliant. NDIS participants are supposed to share their goals with the NDIA so they can fund the support accordingly. Over the years, NDIS has made life easier and more enjoyable for the participants. As it continues to become more popular, more participants are willing to become a part of it.

Functional Capacity Assessment

Allied health professionals usually do functional capacity assessments. They help in the understanding of the physical and intellectual capabilities of a participant to help the NDIA fund the right support for the participants. It is essential for NDIA to know the exact level of support each participant needs so they can create a personalized plan for each participant. Occupational therapists are generally the most appropriate healthcare professionals to perform functional capacity evaluations.

Can I Get NDIS Support Without FCA?

While getting a functional capacity assessment before getting the funding for NDIS is required for participants so they can get the right services, it can be difficult for some people to afford it before getting the funding. FCA is usually a long process, and it can take hours (sometimes days) to complete a functional capacity evaluation which can be challenging for some people. In this case, you can get the funding by having people living with disabilities write supporting letters to explain how this disability affects your way of living and comes in your way. These letters can include a description of major challenges faced by the concerned person and recommendations on how certain support services can help them become more independent. However, if one can afford to have a functional capacity assessment, it is better to go through the proper evaluation to get the right support.

Why is it Important?

FCA is an important part of NDIS, and there are many reasons why an individual must go through this assessment.

• Get a general understanding of the participant’s potential in physical tasks.
• To analyze if someone needs a diagnostic evaluation.
• Helps in accommodation placements for people who need funds for accommodation.
• To analyze if a person needs assistive technology and home modifications.

How is Functional Capacity Measured?

When a participant applies for functional capacity assessment, an occupational therapist visits their living space to analyze how the participant performs their day-to-day activities without any support. These observations are usually done in the homes of participants so they can be as much at ease as possible. The occupational therapist also must fill out an FCA template which includes the participant’s age and medical history. The report will also include in-depth answers to questions related to the person’s physical capabilities. For example, if the question asks, “How does the person get out of bed?” The answer will have to be in detail, explaining exactly how much difficulty the person faces when getting out of bed.

The occupational therapist also must learn about the family and medical history of the participant. Before starting the evaluation, they should communicate with the person and understand their medical conditions. This will help in their assessment, and the right form of support can be suggested only after taking all the points into consideration. The assessment report also includes the following details:

• Toileting
• Dressing
• Hygiene
• Eating
• Showering
• Mobility

Choosing the Right Service Provider

Once the participants receive their NDIS plan from the agency, they need to hire a service provider to help them get started with their disability support. While some participants might not need to hire professionals to manage their NDIS plan, new participants cannot do it on their own. As a new participant, it can be confusing as NDIS is not as simple as it may seem. You need to ensure that you are making the most of your NDIS plan by using the funds in the right way. Having a registered service provider is your only way to do so when you don’t have enough experience with NDIS. 

Your service provider will help you connect with the right support workers and healthcare professionals to ensure that you receive all the support funded in your NDIS plan. It is important to hire a professional and trustable service provider, and for that, you will need to do proper research and meet as many service providers as you can. It is essential to compare your options to choose the right one. Your service provider should be able to provide all the support funded by your plan. Otherwise, you might not be able to receive all the necessary support.

Looking for Assistance?

If you are looking for an NDIS provider in Sydney, EnableU is the best option for you. They have been working as an NDIS provider in Sydney for many years and have dependable support workers to help you get closer to your goals. Reach out to them now and make the most of your NDIS plan.