The lived employment experiences and support needs of persons with Younger Onset Dementia within Australia.

BackgroundThere is limited evidence on the perspectives and support needs of persons with younger onset dementia (YOD) within employment. This poses challenges for supporting this demographic within the workplace and during their transition to retirement.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to understand the lived experience of people developing YOD within the workplace, and their support needs, including their transition into retirement within Australia.MethodsTwo rounds of in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted via Zoom with four participants who were diagnosed with YOD whilst employed. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was utilised to generate themes and subthemes.ResultsThree themes and eleven subthemes were identified. Themes are: 1) Experience of YOD within the workplace; 2) adjustments and transitions; and 3) advice you would give other people in a similar situation.ConclusionsFindings support an emerging understanding of the lived experience of developing YOD within the workplace, transitioning into retirement, and the associated support needs. There is a need for further research regarding the capabilities and support needs of people with YOD, including the value of an occupational therapist, to influence workplace policies and practices.