How Telehealth Is Changing Functional Capacity Assessments

Functional Capacity Assessments (FCAs) are crucial for understanding what supports someone truly needs in daily life. Traditionally, these assessments happen face-to-face — in a clinic or community setting — where the assessor can observe, interact, and gather detailed info in person.

But life isn’t always that simple. For many people, attending an in-person assessment can be tough. Whether it’s due to transport difficulties, health challenges, anxiety, or juggling family and work, getting to a clinic can sometimes feel like an added hurdle — not just a step in the process.

That’s where telehealth has started to make a real difference. Using video calls and online tools, occupational therapists can now conduct parts of the FCA remotely, from the comfort of your home. This means fewer worries about travel, less time off work or school, and the chance to be assessed in your own environment — the place where you actually live your daily life.

This natural setting can reveal things a clinic might not — how you manage stairs, use kitchen tools, or navigate your own bathroom. It can give a fuller, richer picture of what’s really going on.

Of course, telehealth isn’t perfect for everything. Some assessments need hands-on work or specific physical tests that can’t be done remotely. But when it works, it’s not just about convenience — it’s about meeting people where they are, respecting their time and energy, and reducing the stress around assessment.

At Seeds OT, we know every story is different. We work closely with you to decide if telehealth fits your FCA, and how to make it as useful and comfortable as possible. It’s not about replacing connection — it’s about making it easier to access and more flexible.