Family members and friends may provide reminders, transport, help with personal care or assistance with decisions. An FCA needs to describe this help because it affects how a person manages everyday activities.
The report should also consider whether the arrangement can continue. Help that is being provided now is not necessarily available at the same level in future.
Describe the work involved
A general statement that someone lives with family can leave a large amount unexplained. Useful information includes the tasks another person helps with, how often they are involved and whether they need to be present at particular times.
For example, a relative might prepare meals twice a week, check appointments each morning or stay nearby during a task. These are different forms of assistance. Where possible, explain what the person does for themselves as well.
Time estimates can help, but they need context. An hour spent actively assisting is different from remaining available in case help is needed. The assessor should clarify what an estimate includes rather than simply add every reported hour together.
Explain availability and limits
A supporter's work, health, other caring responsibilities and location may affect what they can provide. They may also have limits on the kind of help they are willing or able to give.
Describe these circumstances without assuming that family involvement is either always appropriate or always a problem. The participant's preferences matter too. They may want to keep some family help and arrange other assistance for particular activities.
The NDIS considers what it is reasonable to expect from informal supports as part of its funding decisions. The assessment should provide relevant information; it should not assume an unlimited family obligation or promise that every gap will be funded.
Keep each person's account clear
With appropriate consent, a supporter can contribute observations about the help they provide. Their account should be identified as theirs, including when it differs from the participant's description.
A questionnaire about caring may add information about the supporter. It does not replace a discussion of the participant's activities or determine the amount of paid support required.
For a Seeds assessment, check how contributions should be supplied. Do not assume an additional private interview is included in the standard appointment.
When the arrangement has changed
Explain what changed and when: a relative moved away, became unwell, returned to work or could no longer provide particular assistance. Existing notes or other relevant records can help establish the timeline.
There is no need to withdraw essential help to demonstrate what would happen without it. The assessment can describe the assistance currently being provided, why it is needed and the evidence for what would happen if it were unavailable.