Before we start it is important to know what functional capacity refers to. Functional capacity
is an individual’s ability to perform activities or tasks that are required for daily living. This
includes a wide range of functions, from basic self-care to more complex activities such as
those required in social, educational and work environments. Functional capacity
assessments completed by Boutique Psychology encompass cognitive, emotional and social
abilities.
Functional impairment is what is used to describe limitations in an individual’s ability to
perform actions, tasks or activities in a way or within a range that is considered “typical.”
Functional impairments can be due to a number of causes including, intellectual disabilities,
deficits in social pragmatic language skill or impaired executive functioning, mental health
disorders or chronic health disorders to name a few. Functional impairments can affect
multiple areas of life, including an individuals’ ability to carry out everyday tasks (including
grocery shopping), maintain employment, manage personal care or engage in social
interactions. The severity of the impairments determines the level of support that is required
for an individual to achieve optimal functioning and have improved quality of life.
Functional Capacity Assessments are an essential tool used by NDIS. FCA’s play a vital role
in ensuring that individuals with disabilities receive personalised supports to improve their
quality of life.
Determining eligibility for NDIS
A FCA can help to establish if an individual’s functional impairments qualify them for supports under NDIS. By understanding how an individual’s disability affects them on a day-to-day basis and their ability to participate in community NDIS can determine if you are eligible for support.
Tailoring individual support plans
A FCA provides detailed information about the specific types and projected number of hours support as well as level of support required. This information is used by NDIS to create a personalised plan that aligns with your unique needs and challenges and provides a framework to be able to progress in achieving your NDIS goals whether this be in communication, self-care, developing independence or self-management.
NDIS Goal Setting and Functional Capacity Asssessments
FCA’s can help identify Smart goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) that are realistic and achievable for the participant. FCA’s can assist in identifying current abilities and stretching them to achieve goals with the right supports and services in place. Goals are personalised to the individual and can include, gaining employment, improving social skills, being more independent and engaging in community activities.
Allocating funds appropriately
FCA’s assist NDIS by providing evidence and justification for the allocation of NDIS funds. By understanding the participants individual strengths and limitations, the clinician completing the FCA can recommend specific supports such as therapeutic supports, assistive technology or community access supports.
Reviewing and adjusting plans
FCA’s can be completed multiple times to assess progress towards a goal and modify the NDIS plan accordingly. Using FCA’s in this way can help ensure that supports remain relevant and effective in assisting the participant to achieve their individual goals.
Enhancing Support Coordination
FCA’s can help coordinate the provision of services from different providers, ensuring that they are all working together towards effectively and efficiently assisting participants achieve their NDIS goals.
FCA are critical in aligning supports provided by NDIS with participants needs and goals that
ensure that resources are used to enable individuals with disabilities to enhance their
participation in everyday life.
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