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?
Some people wrongly believe that the ADA is like a list of conditions that are considered disabilities, with everything that doesn’t fall under the list not being considered at all. The reality is quite far from that. The ADA is more of a framework for determining a person’s ability to work, and their current capabilities with regards to anything that might impact them – like a disability condition. However, because of this, Alzheimer’s isn’t directly covered by the ADA. Rather, it has to develop in a specific way in order for things to go in that direction.
Alzheimer’s Affects Everyone Differently
As we mentioned above, Alzheimer’s tends to work very differently in the people it affects. For some, managing to live with the condition is possible while also paying attention to the important parts of their lives, such as their work and family. But for some people, Alzheimer’s hits much harder, and can make it practically impossible to work. Because of this, the ADA classifies Alzheimer’s according to the actual impact it has on a person’s life, and the extent to which it prevents them from doing their work. That’s why someone needs to get evaluated thoroughly in a case like this."
Disclaimer: Not my authoring, but from Alzheimer's Association.
(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))
Wishing you peace as you continue on with your caregiving journey.
https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html
If your assets and income are low enough, Medicaid is available for disabled people. Medicaid is a whole other entity separate from Social Security.
Check with your local Office on aging or your state office on aging, it may be called something different, to see if you’re eligible to receive funding for caring for a relative with a disability. The state of California has such a program.
https://www.agingcare.com/articles/reversible-conditions-that-can-be-mistaken-for-dementia-476370.htm
You can get help for the bathing, dressing and toileting with this disease because it will get worse.
Prayers.
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.
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.