2.11 Tell your employer

If you work in a paid or voluntary capacity, you might be worried about telling your employer and how they will react, particularly if you want to continue working.

In Australia there are laws that protect people with disabilities, including dementia, at work. This means that your employer may not be able to terminate your employment just because you have dementia.

If your company has a human resources (HR) department, the HR staff can help you understand your rights at work and help you talk to your manager.

Depending on your work role, you may be able to continue working or make adjustments to your role. Some employers are supportive of staff with dementia and offer different positions that suit your skills and keep you working. Some employers are less supportive or are not able to make these adjustments.

• Employers have a legal obligation to provide reasonable adjustments for all people with disabilities, including those caused by dementia. Read more on the Australian Human Rights Commission website.

You may wish to talk with colleagues about your diagnosis. Your colleagues might notice your work has changed. Explaining your diagnosis and how they can support you can help avoid negative judgements.

• Read Wendy Mitchell’s blog about telling her diagnosis to her colleagues.