OT Functional Capacity Assessments in Liverpool
Working with the Liverpool Community
How FCAs can benefit you
βAn FCA explores the individual’s current overall situation and highlights areas of strength, as well as identifies aspects of life requiring support or improvement. Assessments are tailored specifically to the person and are designed to enhance personal independence and develop general quality of life. Specific benefits include:
- Improving daily living skills to meet personal and health goals
- Enhancing mental well-being and self-confidence
- Widening social and recreational engagement
Assessments not only benefit the individual but also has advantages for their family and carers. FCAs can play a pivotal role in strengthening how the support network of the individual understands his/her experience. Moreover, these assessments can broaden the skills of family members and carers to delivery better support. Examples include:
- Personalised strategies about how to assist the person to complete daily living skills
- Ways to combat carer burnout
- Tools to promote greater communication and manage behavioural challenges
Understanding the Process of an OT Functional Assessment
Initial Consult
Firstly, the OT must gather thorough information about the person’s general life, health history, routines, primary challenges and objectives. This is an important step that allows the OT a sense of the client’s typical daily experience, thereby stimulating the main areas that need more attention.
Various Assessment Tools
A key characteristic of FCAs is their ability to compare the person’s performance in targeted areas of life (e.g. cognitive, physical and emotional capacity) to what is generally expected of their age group. For children and young people aged 7-17 years, commonly used standardised assessments include:
- PEDICAT (Speedy) or PEDICAT ASD (Speedy)
- Participation and Environment Measure- for Children and Youth (PEM-CY)
- Vineland assessment
For adults aged 18 and above:
- Vineland assessment
- Craig Hospital Inventory of Environmental Factors (CHIEF)
- WHODAS 2.0 36 Question
- Lower Extremity Function Scale (if applicable)
Liverpool clients’ experience of Functional Capacity Assessments
Case Study 1: Reclaiming Independence
Shawn is a 15-year-old boy with mild intellectual disability whose main challenges were in school, forming relationships with his peers and completing his schoolwork. An FCA helped identify how his teachers could make small adjustments to the classroom environment that helped build his confidence and independence.
Case Study 2: Enhancing Social Participation
Ahmed is 51 and suffered a stroke that caused weakness in his right arm and leg. His OT helped secure NDIS supports for him such as some assistive technology, physiotherapy, OT sessions and support workers. Getting this assistance not only enhanced his quality of life, but also relieved some pressure and stress on his wife, who was his main caregiver but was struggling to support him and their children.
Getting the right supports
Essential to the FCA is collaboration between the individual, family members and other relevant parties such as teachers and other therapists. By obtaining a full picture of the person’s ability in a wide variety of important and daily tasks, bespoke recommendations can be made to guide the person achieve their potential.
Early intervention is key
Liverpool locals can get the best outcomes by engaging in an OT functional assessment earlier. The sooner an individual can avail of resources and assistance they need, the better chance they have of overcoming challenges. Assessments and recommendations can forge skill-building and resilience.
Youth Living Skills is ready to help
If you think you or someone you are interested in an OT functional capacity assessment, contact us now. Our friendly OTs in Liverpool are ready to work with you so you can live an improved quality of life.
Start Your Journey with Youth Living Skills
If you or someone you know could benefit from an OT functional assessment, don’t wait. Reach out to our team of dedicated Occupational Therapists in Campbelltown to learn more about how we can help. Together, we can create a pathway to better health and improved quality of life.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a brighter future.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can people with disabilities in Liverpool be helped by an OT functional capacity assessment?
This assessment provides a deep dive into an individual’s life to ensure they receive the right level of funding and assistance. It analyses how well the person performs different daily tasks such as personal care routines, mobility and getting around, and social participation. The assessment serves to highlight the person’s strengths, find support gaps, and justify where NDIS resources should be applied. Supports such as assistive technology and equipment, therapies and carers can be procured for the person.
What is involved during the FCA process?
A therapist typically dedicates several hours to your assessment. This comprehensive timeframe includes:
- In-Person Connection: Meeting with you and those most important to you to observe and discuss your daily life.
- Collaboration: Consulting with your broader support circle, including family, support workers, teachers, or other medical professionals.
- Evidence Gathering: Utilizing a combination of interviews, clinical observations, and standardized testing tools to collect data. This can help paint a picture of how you operate in daily life compared to others in the same age group.
- Professional Documentation: Synthesizing all findings into a final, detailed report.
What is the timeline for the assessment and what outcomes can be expected?
The entire FCA process usually lasts for 10-15 hours. The final report acts as a roadmap to navigate zones of life where the individual is self-sufficient and where help is recommended and evaluating how the person can pursue their personal goals. The report is a formal plan for therapy, technology/equipment, carers and other NDIS aids.
Contact Information
PO Box address:
PO Box 121, Glenfield NSW 2167