Dealing with dementia is never easy.
You never expected this diagnosis.
Dementia is for those already retired.
You are not.
According to a recent Next Avenue article titled “Dementia Diagnosis: When Do You Go Public?,” nearly 200,000 Americans are in your shoes.
When compared to the 5.7 million Americans who are 65 and older who live with Alzheimer’s, this number feels small.
Still, you are not alone.
Sharing the news with your loved ones will help everyone live with less uncertainty.
It allows you to begin practical planning and preparations for the future.
What should you do?
Make sure your financial and estate planning affairs are in order.
These should include all the documents required to allow others to make health care and financial decisions when you are unable to do so.
An advance health care directive and a general durable power of attorney are must haves.
Your family now knows.
Your employer should be next.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires employers to make “reasonable accommodations” for employees with disabilities.
It also prohibits discrimination.
Having this knowledge can be helpful if you have an employer who can restructure your schedule or modify duties to be accommodating.
If your performance slips without your employer being in the know, then you may be terminated because your employer was unaware of your situation.
Finally, you should discuss your plans for the next stage of life with your estate planning attorney.
He or she can help you navigate what plans should be made regarding long-term care and estate planning updates as your dementia progresses.
Reference: Next Avenue (February 4, 2019) “Dementia Diagnosis: When Do You Go Public?”
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