Employment
A dementia diagnosis does not take away your legal rights.
Federal and state laws protect employees from unfair treatment at work, and many of these protections apply to people living with dementia.
This chapter is designed to help you understand those protections so you can make informed decisions about your career, with confidence rather than fear.
By the end of this chapter, you will better understand:
- The federal laws that protect employees from discrimination.
- How the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) may apply to you.
- What "reasonable accommodations" are and how they can help you continue working.
- What your employer can — and cannot — ask of you.
- What to do if you believe your rights are being violated.
Most importantly, this chapter is intended to help you feel more confident. Understanding your rights is one of the most powerful tools you have.
Brenda Roberts
Three People. Three Journeys. One Message.
Read the transcript
One of the first questions many people ask after receiving a dementia diagnosis is, "What should I do about my job?"
The answer is different for everyone.
Some people continue working in the same position. Some continue working with accommodations. Others decide that retirement is the best choice for them.
There isn't one right answer. The right decision is the one that is best for you, your family, your health, and your future.
Before making important employment decisions, take time to understand your rights, your benefits, and your options.
Let's hear from three people living with dementia who each took a different path.
Monica — "I Chose to Retire"
After my diagnosis, I decided retirement was the best decision for me.
Looking back, I wish I had known more about my employer benefits before making that decision. There were options available that I didn't fully understand at the time.
My advice is simple: before making any employment decision, learn about your benefits and understand all of your options. Once you make a decision, it can be difficult — or sometimes impossible — to go back.
Name — "Title"
Testimonial content
Name — "Title"
Testimonial content