With encouragement for people to remain in the workplace longer, the rate of employees with dementia is bound to increase. In fact, 1.4 per cent of people aged 65-69 have dementia. 6 In addition, sometimes people are diagnosed with dementia quite early, at an age less than 65 and would still be expecting several years of paid employment. It has been found that around 50 per cent of carers of people diagnosed with early dementia have reported financial difficulties related to the person's loss of employment. 7
A diagnosis of dementia does not automatically mean the person with dementia must leave work immediately. It is possible to keep working for some time after diagnosis, provided they take control of employment decisions early, plan for the future and have realistic expectations. 8 Alzheimer’s Australia has a help sheet that provides useful information about employment and dementia. If a person diagnosed with dementia wishes to remain employed the first important step is to discuss the diagnosis with the employer and the types of work they do. It can be very difficult to disclose a diagnosis to an employer and it may be of benefit to take someone along for support. In addition, it is important to investigate any rights involved by contacting your trade union or professional body and also anti-discrimination advocates. 7 See the table below for anti-discrimination advocates in Australia. People from outside Australia should contact their local anti-discrimination or equal opportunity advocate.
The other important step in employment with dementia is to make early, realistic decisions about the point at which they leave work. For example, at what point of the disease progression, or perhaps when certain tasks the person with dementia would class as minimum requirements, become too difficult. This can be discussed with the employer and doctor. 7
Anti-discrimination contacts across Australian States and Territories: