Our family has recently been affected by someone close to us who has been diagnosed with dementia. I don't understand all the ramifications, as I am just now learning about it myself. But this has led me to do more research into how the ADA might apply to someone with dementia. And guess what - the ADA can be an important piece of the puzzle!
What is dementia? Dementia is a general term, with 6 common types, Alzheimer's Disease being the most common. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) defines it this way:
Dementia is not a specific disease but is rather a general term for the impaired ability to remember, think, or make decisions that interferes with doing everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. Though dementia mostly affects older adults, it is not a part of normal aging.
Most people with Alzheimer's Disease are 65 or older, about 1 in 9. The CDC says there are an estimated 5.0 million adults with dementia in those who are at least 65. This is projected to be nearly 14 million by 2060. According to the Mayo Clinic, early on-set or young-onset affects about 110 of every 100,000 adults between the ages of 30 and 64. This second group is where my loved one lands.
As with any new disability, it takes time to accept, understand, and research exactly how the disability will affect daily activities. Not only for the individual, but for the family, who are usually the care partners. Often the first question is "Can I/my partner continue to be employed?" Often health care professionals may recommend retirement right off the bat. Many diagnosed with dementia are still caring for children, are in the height of their career, and still have mortgages, so working remains very important. Many enjoy and WANT to continue to work! And most employers want to keep their valued employees in their job. This is where the ADA can help!
Of course, every situation is unique and must be approached on a case-by-case basis. Here are some resources that may allow an individual to continue in the workplace, whether that means with reasonable accommodations, reassignment, or a change in job functions, if appropriate. (FYI, the ADA does not require an employer to remove essential job functions but can if they choose and it's reasonable to do so. Case-by-case analysis is required.)
- ADA & Workplace Accommodations (Melanie Whetzel) Ep#44 - YouTube
- Alzheimer's Disease (askjan.org)
- Depression, PTSD, & Other Mental Health Conditions in the Workplace: Your Legal Rights | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (eeoc.gov)
And there is a wealth of support groups for the individual experiencing dementia that are also great helps for those close to the person. A simple 'google' search can provide resources, but here are a couple that I found helpful, in addition to the ones referenced above: