An FCA for an older adult can describe everyday activities, assistance and changes over time, but the first question is which decision it needs to inform. For a new NDIS application the person must be younger than 65 on the day they apply, and a private FCA cannot change that. Someone already in the scheme does not leave it at 65, and an FCA does not replace an aged-care assessment.
Age alone does not explain a person's difficulties or determine the assessment they need.
The NDIS age rule
For a new NDIS application, the person must be younger than 65 on the day they apply and meet the other eligibility requirements. A private FCA cannot change that age requirement.
A person who is already an NDIS participant does not automatically leave the scheme on their 65th birthday. Choices about moving to aged-care supports can have consequences for NDIS participation, so check the current rules before making that change.
A privately commissioned FCA does not replace the assessment process used to determine aged-care eligibility or access to particular aged-care services.
Describe the current activities
The assessment may consider personal care, meals, movement, appointments, communication or managing the home. It should identify what the person does and what support they use.
Do not assume that a difficulty is simply due to age. Several factors may contribute, including an established disability, another health condition, the environment or a change in assistance. Where the cause is uncertain, that uncertainty should be recorded.
An assessment also needs to distinguish a preference from an inability. A person may choose to share or delegate a task without being unable to do it.
Use the history carefully
Earlier reports and treating information may help show what has changed. A longstanding record can provide useful context, but it does not automatically establish present abilities.
Explain when a change occurred and what else was happening. A loss of family assistance or a move to a different home may affect activities even without a new diagnosis.
Future needs should be discussed using appropriate evidence, not a general assumption that everyone of a particular age will follow the same course.
Participation and consent
The person's own account and preferences remain important. Communication or memory difficulties may require a different approach, but they should not automatically lead to a family member taking over the assessment.
Where someone acts as a representative, the practice needs to check the authority relevant to consent and information sharing. The person paying for the report is not automatically entitled to receive it.
Check the method and scope
Telehealth may be suitable for some questions. Others need direct observation, measurements or a specialist assessment. For example, an account of difficulty transferring does not establish the fit or safety of a particular equipment solution.
Tell Seeds the person's age, the intended use of the report and any assessment already underway. Suitability should be confirmed before a private fee is agreed.