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Employment

Summary and Next Steps

Summary and Next Steps

A dementia diagnosis does not take away your legal rights.

As you move forward, remember these key ideas:

  • Federal laws, including the ADA and the ADEA, protect employees from discrimination based on disability and age.
  • Dementia may meet the ADA's definition of disability, which can open the door to important protections.
  • Reasonable accommodations are meant to help you continue working successfully — not to single you out.
  • Your employer can ask for job-related medical information, but your privacy is protected.
  • Communicating your needs early and clearly is one of the most effective things you can do.
  • Even if the ADA doesn't apply to your employer, state laws may still protect you.
  • You remain the most important decision-maker in your life.

Most importantly, this chapter is about giving you confidence — the confidence to understand your rights, ask questions, and make the decisions that are right for you.

Questions You May Still Have

As you finish this chapter, you may realize that you still have questions.

That is completely normal.

You might be wondering:

  • Should I tell my employer about my diagnosis, and if so, when?
  • What if I need an accommodation but I'm not sure what to ask for?
  • What happens if my employer denies my accommodation request?
  • What should I do if I believe I'm being discriminated against?
  • What financial or disability benefits might be available if I can no longer work?

These are important questions. The good news is that they are also questions with practical answers.

Looking Ahead

Chapter 6

Understanding Disability Benefits and Planning for the Future

In the next chapter, we'll explore topics including:

  • Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and how it differs from workplace protections
  • The Compassionate Allowances list and how it may speed up an application
  • Private and employer-provided disability insurance
  • Questions to ask before applying for disability benefits
  • Bringing your health care provider, family, and financial advisor into the planning process

Understanding your options for financial support can help you make informed decisions with greater confidence while continuing to focus on living well.

You do not have to figure out the rest of your working life today.

You only need to decide your next thoughtful step.