Bipolar and employment?

Question

My boyfriend use to date a woman who is Bipolar and she has 2 kids. She works at a nursing home. She told him that if the nursing home know she has bipolar, she probably would lose her job. That's bull crap. I heard people complain about people who get SSI for bipolar saying that they should get a job, but it seems jobs today discriminate against people with bipolar and even people with other mental disabilities. She does not get SSI but I know people know do. So, what are these people suppose to do.

Answer 1

Though many jobs cannot discriminate against a disability she may be right in saying they will question her mental state as she is caring for vulnerable adults. The main issue with bipolar and care work is the fact the person who has bipolar may have diminished abilities in regards to their mental health issues. This could mean (Just an example) she could go off her meds and and this is worse case scenario! hurt a client because she is not mentally stable. A lot of nursing homes ask for permission to seek a medical from the employees doctor on many occasions they do not follow this up however concealing a mental health issue like this can mean their contract is terminated because they gave false medical information. It is one of those loop holes especially when caring for vulnerable adults/children ( comes under the POVA act) when working in a situation like nursing care its important to be honest about any health related issues you may have however an employer cannot sack a person if these problems occurred after their appointment in the job the have to accommodate them and understand them

Answer 2

If they fire her because of her disability, they'd be violating the ADA, Section 504 (since they no doubt receive federal funds), and any applicable state law. As long as she can perform the essential functions of her job--with or without reasonable accommodations--firing her due to her bipolar disorder would be unlawful. She need not reveal her disability unless she requests a reasonable accommodation.

Answer 3

actually they can still fire her for not providing the information to them in the first place - she would be smart to keep it as is - there on every job application it clearly states that if you have any medical problems at all - to list them - if they find out something or something happens were there is an accident - the insurence company will track the medical records - i agree that they should let people do more being disabled myself - but in a way thats legal - you are right - what are people supposed to do ?