Dementia Australia | The Dementia Guide

Talking to your employer
Deciding whether or not you tell your employer about your diagnosis
of younger onset dementia can be complex. For many people it will
depend on the extent to which symptoms affect their ability to do their
job, as well as the support that may be required from the employer.
You might feel anxious about telling your employer about your
diagnosis, but doing so will help give you protection under the law.
Once your employer knows, they are required to make ‘reasonable
adjustments’ so that you can keep working, if you are able to do so
safely.
In some occupations you are legally obliged to tell your employer about
your diagnosis, so you will need to check your contract. If you drive or
operate machinery as part of your job, you should let your employer
know straight away.
It may be helpful to speak to the Human Resources advisor at your
workplace, and have a support person including a family member,
friend, colleague or advocate involved in any discussions.
Once your employer has been informed, regularly monitor the
employment situation and the effect dementia symptoms are having on
your work duties, particularly if your symptoms are progressing.
Leaving work
At some stage, you might decide to leave work or retire early. This
decision should only be made after appropriate consultation has taken
place with immediate family, advocates and your employer.
Use your current sick leave entitlements before leaving the workforce
due to health reasons. An employee is entitled, on the production of a
medical certificate, to utilise unused sick leave before resigning.
Before you leave the workforce, seek advice from your insurance
company, superannuation fund or financial planner on entitlements such
as Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) and income protection.
82 Call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500