Preparing To Tell Employer (first post)

I agree start the disability claim process now. Does the manager have some reason not to have done this on being informed already? Company policies may differ but legally you have rights to protect by acting timely. Hopefully you have some documentation of informing manager - emails, phone records. Sometimes disability can be complicated because early in the progression of the disease he may still have some ability to work - maybe not work this employer would accommodate, but be required to attempt finding other work until determined completely disabled. Most of the time you will pass because with dementia the person is unable to continue performing existing job and also unable to learn (competently) any new skill. If you have diagnosis, you can also start the process of applying for social security disability. For my DW we eventually got SSDI start date + medicare 2 year waiting period set to date of first neurologist appointment, which was 18 months prior to final approval (having gone through appeals by attorney).

I am envious you have those benefits through work. My DH is 60 and works as a sales man for a building supply company. They have ZERO benefits. No paid sick leave. No short or long term disability. He gets paid in a commission only. I don’t think they will try to accommodate him in any way. Our only option will be SSDI. Our attorney told me there is a compassionate care clause that allows certain conditions which includes dementia. They told us the fastest the process could go if it is flawless (which is not likely) would be 5 months. It’s just one more layer of stress when dealing with young onset.