Before the visit: referral and intake
The process starts with a referral and an intake review. The therapist confirms the goals, funding, location, urgency and any plan-review or discharge deadline, then agrees the assessment scope so the visit answers the real question rather than gathering generic information.
This is also when you can flag time-sensitive dates, share recent reports and confirm whether a home visit, telehealth or a hybrid pathway is the right fit.
During the assessment
Most FCAs happen in the environments you actually use - your home, community or workplace - so the therapist can see real routines rather than a clinic-only snapshot. They observe and discuss daily tasks across the functional domains: communication, social interaction, learning, mobility, self-care and self-management.
Expect a mix of conversation, observation of everyday tasks (such as moving around the home, transfers or meal preparation), and sometimes standardised tools. With your consent, the therapist may also speak with family members or support workers to build an accurate picture.
How to prepare
Have your goals in mind and note the tasks that are difficult, unsafe or slow. Gather relevant documents - the current NDIS plan, previous therapy or medical reports, equipment details and support rosters.
It helps to have a support person present if that is comfortable for you, and to think about examples of good and difficult days so the assessment reflects your typical function, not just one moment.
After the assessment: the report
The therapist analyses the findings and writes a report that documents current function, barriers, risks and practical recommendations linked to your goals - support hours, assistive technology, home modifications or further assessment.
At Pinnacle OT, reports are typically provided within 10 business days of the completed assessment, with timelines confirmed at intake when a plan review or discharge deadline applies. The report is then ready to use for the decision it was written to support.
Need occupational therapy guidance?
Tell our intake team what support is needed, the relevant suburb or region, funding pathway and any upcoming review or discharge deadlines.