Continue Working With a Dementia Diagnosis?

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I Just Want to Work!

Imagine you have been in your current career for years, mastering your trade, serving as a mentor. But lately you have noticed changes; misplaced tools, puzzling computer files, forgetting the names of colleagues. Your family has also noticed changes, so together you seek medical help and obtain a diagnosis of dementia.

You wonder what will happen to your job. Will they notice you are not sharp as you once were? Will you be able to keep working? If not, what will you do? After all, you just want to work.

Disability Protection

In 1990 the U.S. instituted the American with Disabilities Act to protect employees with disabilities. Most nations including China, the European Union, Saudi Arabia, and countries in Africa have similar laws. While the laws vary, most of the world recognizes the importance of inclusion of people of all abilities in the workforce.

But what happens when an employee starts to demonstrate symptoms of dementia? Are they afforded protection under the law? The employer does have the legal obligation to support people with disabilities. However, dementia is different; it is a disease where the person will regress and may not be able to learn new tasks.

Optimistically, the company will be able to keep the person with dementia employed for a while. While the person is still working, Dementia UK offers accommodation suggestions:

• Allocate tasks individually, rather than all at once
• Give advice on simplifying routines
• Provide a quieter workspace with fewer distractions
• Offer regular breaks during the day
• Provide assistive technology, such as alerts, reminders, or voice recognition software
• Set up a buddy scheme and regular support sessions
• Reduce hours or move to a role with less responsibility

Employers, what if instead of meeting the minimum requirements of disability laws, companies find ways to look at what abilities remain with the person, and maximize the remaining skills and experience of the employee?

Why Try?

This is not an easy proposition. Training and organizational changes will be needed. Human resource personnel, with the advice of legal counsel, will need policies and procedures developed. Safety, employment laws, disability insurance, leave benefits, and more can play into this new paradigm.

Nancy states she worked in management for over eighteen years; she can attest to the joys and challenges of managing people. Overseeing an individual with cognitive difficulties will take time, patience, and support from corporate leaders. People leaders will need to be on board with this concept to see if it will work in their setting.

So why should we bother employing people with early to mid-level dementia?

Because, in addition to the reasons discussed here: Global Work Shortage, allowing a person to keep working helps families stay self-supporting. The entire economy would benefit if government funded benefits can be delayed. For early-onset dementia, those diagnosed under the age of 65, the ability to work could allow families more time to identify the financial resources needed later in the dementia journey.

Alternative Infrastructure

What if the person can no longer work in their current field? Roles in new jobs that involve structured, repetitive, or familiar tasks which are manageable and not overwhelming would be most suitable for this population.

• Gardening assistant – Watering plants, raking leaves, tending to a small garden
• Laundry assistant – Folding towels and simple clothing items
• Sorting and organizing – Arranging papers, buttons, or small items in a workplace
• Arts and crafts assistant – Painting, assembling decorations, or working with clay
• Music-related tasks – Singing, playing familiar instruments, or assisting with music therapy or practice sessions
• Storytelling or reading – Reading to children, fellow residents, or recording audiobooks
• Greeter or welcomer – Offering a warm greeting at a restaurant or small business
• Café or restaurant helper – Setting tables, arranging menus, or wrapping cutlery
• Library or bookstore assistant – Shelving books, organizing newspapers, or assisting customers
• Animal Care – Socializing therapy animals, brushing, or feeding animals under supervision

Employment is not just about money. Work can give life purpose, improve social lives, and increase independence. It can take one’s mind off their disability and focus on their ability.

 Our Challenge

According to Alzheimer’s Disease International someone in the world develops dementia every three seconds. This number is multiplying, and they project that by 2030 there will be seventy-eight million people with dementia in the world.

Companies, we must proactively acknowledge the coming tsunami of dementia and start today to address ways to keep people employed longer.

Join this initiative: “I Just Want To Work!”