Follow
Share

My husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer's last year, although he had been showing symptoms for several years prior, but his (then) doctor ignored. He experienced a fall last fall, spent 10 days in the hospital and was diagnosed with a serious (not Covid) virus. He lost weight, strength and declined mentally. He was discharged to a rehab facility then moved to a memory care home for a month because I wasn't able to care for him at home. He came home in December and is finally "coming out of the fog" but still needs assistance with bathing, dressing and toileting. Does this qualify as a disability?

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
My 59-year old brother was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's disease earlier this year. Fortunately, he had been paying premiums for a long-term disability policy through work. He has never been married and lives alone, so I completed applications for those benefits as well as SSDI, and he will start receiving the benefits next month based on the date when he was not able to continue working. That date was officially set during last October, when coworkers and his boss told him he needed to take sick leave to determine what was going on. Essentially, he could not complete the tasks necessary to do the job he has been doing for the past 25+ years. Bottom line: yes, a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease qualifies a person for SSDI and other disability benefits.
Helpful Answer (7)
Report

Clearly your hubby is disabled compared to what how he would have functioned in his normal everyday life heretofore.

What isn't clear to me is this: Has your husband actually had a diagnosis.
For instance, does he have a diagnosis of dementia? Was this diagnosis made prior to his having covid.
OR
Does he have a diagnosis of long covid? From which he is apparently improving?

I think that you should discuss with his MD what EXACTLY his current diagnosis/diagnoses and prognosis are. Does he currently have one condition or the other, or BOTH.

What is your husbands age? Is he retired? Is he still working and now unable to work and in need of disability payment?
I cannot tell if you are asking us as a married partner of a man diagnosed with either dementia or long covid (or both) who is nowhere near retirement age and in need of disability funds, or if you are simply asking if your husband can be considered disabled by his current status (answer yes).

Do discuss this question with your husband's doctor who knows his case, and will know the answer quickly, while we-given the information you have given us--might only be guessing.

I certainly wish you the very best.
I am glad your husband is improving, and were dementia his only diagnosis I doubt this would be the case.
Helpful Answer (5)
Report
LindaSB Apr 2023
Yes, he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's (MRI) and has a PCP + a neurologist treating him. And that was diagnosed prior to COVID.
(2)
Report
I don't think after you start collecting Social Security you can claim a disability. If this is early onset ALZ and not already collecting SS he may be able to get SS Disability.
Helpful Answer (4)
Report

If your husband is under retirement age, you could certainly try to get him approved for SSD, but if he is already on SS then he can only get his Social Security and not disability also.
My late husband after having a massive stroke at the age of 48 was on Social Security disability, but when he turned 65 it automatically switched over to just Social Security.
But I guess to answer your question, I would imagine that dementia would definitely be a permanent disability(as there is no cure and the person will only continue to get worse), however because most folks who develop it are usually already on Social Security thus why it wouldn't apply. The exception of course would be if someone has developed early onset Alzheimer's which usually starts in their 50's.
Helpful Answer (4)
Report

With your husband being 78 is he getting social security? If he is then what you have asked isn't a disability you can't get more money for it. But you can get help if you need it for his disability of dementia/alzheimers. And yes its permanent because it doesn't go away they just keep getting worse.

You can get help for the bathing, dressing and toileting with this disease because it will get worse.

Prayers.
Helpful Answer (3)
Report
ConnieCaretaker Apr 2023
Where should she apply for that additional help?
(0)
Report
I found this article on this site which gives a very thorough overview of a variety of conditions which might cause dementia-like symptoms, many of which are situations which can be alleviated and/or cured. If you read through to the end, you will see a section on the steps to take to get a clear assessment of your husband’s situation. Best of luck to you.
https://www.agingcare.com/articles/reversible-conditions-that-can-be-mistaken-for-dementia-476370.htm
Helpful Answer (3)
Report

Don’t we all wish that there was a cure for dementia?

Wishing you peace as you continue on with your caregiving journey.
Helpful Answer (3)
Report

Sounds like he needs assistance with personal care and personal hygiene but I don't think this qualifies as a disability. I got this statement from Google, The Social Security Administration has added younger/early onset Alzheimer's to the list of conditions under its Compassionate Allowances Initiative, giving those with the disease expedited access to Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income. I suggest you contact the social security office in your area for more information.
Helpful Answer (3)
Report

AD is considered a LT disability from the perspective of Social Security when it comes to disability benefits. In fact, it is classified in the group of "escalated" diagnoses that cuts through much of the red tape (and time to approval) when it comes to being approved for SSDI benefits. Eighteen months later, the person becomes eligible for Medicare, irrespective of age. All it took was a letter from our neurologist with the AD diagnosis and filling out some Social Security forms, including an ADL form.
Helpful Answer (3)
Report

Yes it does.
(and by the way if your husband is a Veteran the diagnosis of diabetes may be related to exposure to chemical agents. (aka Agent Orange or Agent Rainbow))
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

See All Answers
This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter