What is a Functional Capacity Assessment:
A capacity assessment evaluates an individual’s ability to perform the various psychological and cognitive tasks needed for daily life and work. These assessments provide comprehensive information about one’s functional emotional, mental, and behavioural abilities. Completed by psychologists, our capacity assessments utilize standardized, evidence-based psychometric tests, which allow for an objective understanding of an individual’s current level of functioning. The results from such an assessment can inform an individual’s next steps and provide relevant insight into one’s ability to manage their daily routine, finances, work, and community resources, etc.
Capacity assessments can also be part of the process for applications related to Trusteeship/Guardianship, AISH, and PDD.
Trustee/Guardianship
A capacity assessment may be completed when there are reasons to believe that an adult does not have the ability to make their own decisions and may benefit from the support of a trustee or guardian. In Alberta, these assessments can be completed by psychologists, physicians, and other trained health care professionals. At Insight, our psychologists follow the Government of Alberta Guidelines, to assess an adult’s cognitive capacity to make personal, medical, or financial decisions and understand the consequences of their decisions.
More information on these assessments can be found through the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee (OPGT): https://www.alberta.ca/supports-capacity-assessment
Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH)
When applying for the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH), medical personnel (i.e., Physician and/or Psychiatrist) provide an assessment of the applicant’s medical needs and conditions. Completed by a psychologist, the results from a Capacity Assessment can supplement an individual’s AISH application, highlighting their psychological functioning, mental health, areas of difficulty and the impact of these factors on their life.
More information on AISH can be found through their website: https://www.alberta.ca/aish
Persons With Developmental Disabilities (PDD)
Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD), supports Albertans with developmental disabilities to live as independently as possible in their community. Applying for PDD requires individuals provide supporting documentation from a psychologist that designates the impact of any developmental disability, including any limitations in intellectual capacity and adaptive skills. For the purposes of applying to PDD, a standardized test of intellectual capacity must have been completed within the last 5 years. At Insight, our psychologists are well versed in the PDD Guidelines and can assess if PDD might be an appropriate fit for you.
More information on PDD can be found through their website: https://www.alberta.ca/persons-with-developmental-disabilities-pdd
To learn more about booking a cognitive and functional capacity assessment, please call 780-461-1717. We recognize that each individual has different needs and our intake and admin specialists will be able to provide you with an estimated quote and timeline for your assessment.
