Dementia, Alzheimer’s and Firearms: Keep Gun-Owning Loved Ones Safe in Old Age- Dementia and Alzheimer’s affect memory, reasoning and reaction time skills that are critical for the safe handling of firearms. Even in the early stages, a person may forget safe storage practices, mishandle a gun, or misinterpret situations as threats. The combination of cognitive decline and a loaded firearm in the home can create serious risks for accidental injury, self-harm, or harm to others.
For many families, the conversation about firearms is as emotional as it is necessary. Guns may hold sentimental value or be seen as part of a loved one’s independence. Addressing the issue requires striking a balance between safety and respect for the individual’s dignity.
Initiating the conversation early, ideally before significant signs of cognitive decline become apparent, is crucial. Talk openly about the possibility of limiting or ending access to firearms in the future, much like planning for driving retirement. This discussion should include who will make decisions about the firearm, how it will be stored and when it will be removed from the home.
One practical solution is to limit access through secure storage. Options include locked gun safes, combination locks, or disabling firearms so they cannot be used without assistance. This allows the owner to retain possession while reducing immediate risks. Families should also ensure ammunition is stored separately.
If a loved one’s dementia or Alzheimer’s progresses to a point where judgment is severely impaired, it may be necessary to remove firearms entirely. This can be done by transferring ownership to another family member, selling them to a licensed dealer, or arranging secure off-site storage. Decisions should be guided by a safety-first approach, even when the conversation is difficult.
Some states have laws that allow the temporary removal of firearms from individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others. Families should be aware of both state and federal regulations when making these decisions. Consulting an elder care lawyer can help ensure compliance with the law, while protecting the family from liability.
Proactive planning for firearm safety is just as crucial as managing medications, financial planning, or making medical decisions in elder care. Having these discussions early makes it easier to act when safety is at stake.
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Dementia, Alzheimer’s and Firearms: Keep Gun-Owning Loved Ones Safe in Old Age
Reference: Alzheimer’s Association (July 2024) “Firearm Safety”
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