A Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) helps you and your OT understand what daily tasks feel easy, what feels hard, and what supports may help you live safely and independently. If you’ve never had one before, the process can feel unclear. This guide explains what an FCA is, what the OT looks for, and how to prepare in simple steps. Everything here matches our “How to Prepare for Your OT Visit” checklist so you can feel confident before your appointment.
What a Functional Capacity Assessment Actually Is
An FCA is a detailed look at how you manage everyday activities.
Your OT will talk with you, observe how you move through your home, and ask about the tasks that matter most to you. This helps build a clear picture of your abilities, your challenges, and the supports that could make daily life safer and easier.
The assessment is calm, practical and centred around your goals.
If you’re feeling unsure about therapy or paperwork, “How to Make NDIS Therapy Less Overwhelming” breaks it down simply.
What the OT Will Look At During Your FCA
Your OT will explore four main areas to understand what you can do, where you need support, and what will help you stay independent.
Daily activities
Your OT may ask about:
- Showering and dressing
- Cooking and food preparation
- Cleaning and home routines
- Community activities like shopping or appointments
This helps identify what tasks are unsafe, tiring or difficult.
If you’re unsure whether an FCA is needed, our article on Red Flags in Adult Referrals outlines the situations where an OT should be your first call.
Moving Safely Around Your Home
Your OT will look at how you move, stand, walk and manage different surfaces.
This helps us understand your balance, strength, energy levels and any safety risks.
Your OT may look at:
- How you move around your home
- How you manage steps, uneven areas or tight spaces
- How steady you are when sitting down or standing up
- How far you can walk before becoming tired
- Any risks of slipping or tripping
- Whether simple supports like a rail or safer mats could help
These observations help your OT recommend practical, low-cost changes that improve safety.
Home environment
This includes the layout of your rooms, access to bathrooms, and anything around the home that may increase risk.
Small details, like a low couch or a loose rug that slides, can make everyday tasks harder than they need to be.
A clear FCA not only supports funding requests but also helps families use their supports well, and our article How to Get the Most Out of Your NDIS OT Funding explains how to structure that year.
How to Prepare for Your FCA (Simple Checklist)
Your preparation guide includes six helpful steps. Below is how each one supports a smoother FCA.
Complete your forms early
Your OT needs your Service Agreement and Home Safety Screen before the appointment.
This helps us understand your home setup and any urgent risks ahead of time.
Set up a quiet space to meet
Choose somewhere you feel comfortable and can chat without distractions.
A clear space also makes it easier for your OT to observe how you move around safely.
Bring someone if you want support
You’re welcome to have a carer, support worker, family member or friend join you.
Just let us know who will be there.
Think about your supports and goals
Write down what you want help with.
This may include:
- Reducing falls
- Getting around your home safely
- Increasing independence
- Building confidence with daily tasks
Clear goals help your OT understand what matters most to you.
To understand what happens during the first visit, you may find our article What a Community OT Actually Does During a Home Visit helpful.
Write down your questions
Many people forget their questions once the appointment begins.
Having them ready ensures you get the information you need.
Gather helpful documents
Bring anything that gives a snapshot of your health or supports.
This may include:
- Hospital notes
- GP letters
- Medication lists
- Your NDIS plan (if you’re happy to share)
These help your OT understand your wider needs.
What Happens After the FCA
Once your OT has gathered all the information, they will prepare a detailed report.
This report explains:
- What you can do independently
- What tasks are unsafe or tiring
- What supports may help (equipment, home changes, therapy, funding needs)
- Recommendations that may support your NDIS plan or other funding pathways
Your OT will talk through the findings with you so everything is clear and practical.
OTs often identify home safety issues during the assessment, so our guide on Why Home Modifications Matter More Than People Think pairs well with this section.
A Gentle Next Step
Preparing for an FCA doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. With a few simple steps, you can feel ready and confident on the day. To explore more guides like this, our Articles & Resources page has practical tips for clients, families and OTs.
If you would like the full preparation checklist, you can download it here:
FCA Preparation Guide.
If you’re ready to book your Functional Capacity Assessment or have questions, you can contact Strive to Thrive Therapy.
