2.11 Telling your employer

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

The Canadian Charter of Rights for Persons with Dementia (click to open PDF) states that people living with dementia are entitled to the same human rights as any other person in Canada. 

Watch this video about the Canadian Charter of Rights for Persons with Dementia:

United Nations – Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)

Adopted in 2006, The United Nations (UN) Convention for the Rights of People with Disabilities (CRPD) is a human rights treaty. The purpose of this treaty is to promote, protect, and ensure the full human rights and freedoms of people with disabilities. People living with dementia are among the people whose rights are protected by this treaty. When Canada ratified the UN CRPD in 2007, it committed to ensuring the full rights and freedoms of people living with dementia. Click here to read more (click to open PDF). 

Read about Article 27 – Work and Employment 

Human Resources

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

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

You may wish to talk with colleagues at work about your diagnosis. Your colleagues might have noticed that your work has changed. Explaining your diagnosis and how they can support you can avoid other judgements.

• You might be interested in reading Wendy Mitchell’s blog about her experience telling her diagnosis to her colleagues.