If you are an NDIS participant or supporting someone in Campbelltown, you may have been told that an Occupational Therapy assessment is needed, without much explanation. What does an OT actually assess? Which assessment will help with your goals? How does an OT report support NDIS planning and funding?
These are the questions families, participants, and support coordinators ask most often. This guide explains the main types of Occupational Therapy assessments under the NDIS, what each involves, and how they help build realistic supports that work in everyday life.
What does an Occupational Therapist assess under the NDIS?
Occupational Therapists assess how a person functions in daily life, not only their diagnosis. That means looking at practical tasks, routines, the environment, and the supports that make independence possible. OTs translate strengths and challenges into clear recommendations, for example, modified techniques, equipment, or changes at home that improve safety and participation.
Home and living assessments: What do OTs look at?
A home and living assessment focuses on safety and independence in the places you live and spend time. An OT will typically consider:
- Physical access to and around the home, including steps, thresholds, and bathroom layout
- How daily routines flow, such as getting out of bed, showering, dressing, and cooking
- Risks and hazards that affect independence, for example, slippery surfaces or poor lighting
- Equipment and home modifications that can reduce reliance on support workers, such as grab rails, shower seating, or ramps
Where possible, OTs complete these assessments in the home. A home visit in Campbelltown allows the therapist to see real-life barriers and practical solutions that matter to the participant.
Functional assessments, why are they so commonly requested?
Functional assessments examine day-to-day tasks and what a person can do with or without support. This often includes:
- Personal care, mobility, and transfers
- Meal preparation and household tasks
- Communication for participation in social and community activities
- Fine motor skills, such as handwriting or handling small objects
Functional assessments provide the evidence in detail the NDIS needs when decisions are made about capacity building supports, equipment or higher levels of daily personal support.
Continence assessments: When is OT support involved?
Continence assessments look at how the environment, routines, and supports affect continence and dignity. An OT will:
- Review bathroom set-up and independence with toileting
- Suggest aids or adaptations, for example, accessible toilet frames
- Recommend routines and practical strategies to support continence
These assessments prioritise dignity and independence while making realistic recommendations for products and supports.
Cognitive assessments: What can an OT assess?
Some OTs assess cognitive function in relation to daily living. They may look at:
- Memory, attention, and planning skills that affect everyday tasks
- Decision making and judgement for safe participation in the community
- Strategies to support routine, appointments, and medication management
Understanding cognitive impact helps the NDIS and families plan safe, appropriate supports.
When is an OT assessment needed under the NDIS?
You may need an OT assessment when:
- You are applying for NDIS access for the first time
- You are preparing for a plan review, especially when needs have changed
- You require equipment, assistive technology, or home modifications
- You are transitioning to Supported Independent Living, or moving house
- Practical everyday tasks are taking more time or becoming unsafe
OT reports are strong practical evidence for the kinds of supports and funding that will make life safer and more independent.
SIL and Home Modification Assessments
In some situations, an Occupational Therapy assessment is specifically required to support Supported Independent Living (SIL) or home modifications under the NDIS.
SIL Functional Capacity Assessments
When a participant is preparing to move into SIL, or their current living arrangement is no longer meeting their needs, an OT may complete a SIL Functional Capacity Assessment.
This assessment looks closely at:
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Daily living skills such as personal care, cooking, and household routines
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Level of supervision or support required across the day and night
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Safety, behaviour, and support needs within a shared or individual living setting
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Capacity for independence now and into the future
The resulting report provides the clear evidence the NDIS requires to determine SIL eligibility, appropriate staffing ratios, and the level of funded support needed for safe and sustainable independent living.
Home Modifications Assessments
For participants who wish to remain living safely in their current home, an OT may recommend home modifications.
These assessments consider:
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Access into and around the home, including steps, doorways, and bathrooms
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Risks that impact safety or independence in daily routines
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Structural changes or assistive equipment that could reduce reliance on support workers
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Long-term suitability of the environment as needs change over time
Recommendations may include grab rails, ramps, bathroom modifications, widened doorways, or accessible layouts, all clearly justified within the OT report to support NDIS funding decisions.
Together, SIL and home modification assessments ensure that a participant’s living environment truly matches their needs, goals, and level of independence.
How OT assessments support NDIS funding decisions
Assessments produce evidence-based recommendations that directly link to participant goals. Good OT reports:
- Explain the functional impact, not only the diagnosis
- Suggest specific supports or equipment with a rationale
- Use clear language that planners and reviewers can act upon
This reduces uncertainty at plan reviews and helps families feel prepared when discussing goals with the NDIS.
Occupational Therapy assessments in Campbelltown
Local, participant-centred OT services are often best because the therapist knows the area, community resources, and practical support options. In Campbelltown, Correlate Connections provides home and community-based assessments, collaborative reporting with families and support coordinators, and follow-up to help put recommendations into place.
Need help deciding which OT assessment is right for you?
If you are unsure which assessment suits your situation in Campbelltown, speaking with an experienced Occupational Therapist can clarify the next steps. An initial conversation can identify immediate priorities and outline a simple pathway, whether that means a home visit, a functional assessment or ongoing therapy.
Contact Correlate Connections on 1300 636 224, or email info@correlateconnections.com.au to talk through your needs. We can help you choose the right assessment and support you to translate recommendations into real progress.
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