Gun Safety and Dementia: Protecting Your Loved One
Because dementia impairs a person’s memory, cognitive abilities, and decision-making skills, it often leads to changes in behavior and judgment. These challenges create significant concerns when it comes to gun ownership and safety.
Plan Ahead:
When possible, have a conversation about gun safety with your loved one before it becomes an issue. When someone is first diagnosed with dementia you can develop a “gun trust,” a document outlining how to safely transfer ownership of their guns when they become unable to make decisions for themselves. Encourage your loved one to consider relinquishing the firearm as an early inheritance to a recipient that can ensure the valued item is properly stored and cared for. Families can also consider setting a “firearm retirement date” with their loved one. You can discuss with your loved one’s provider what date to choose.
Remove the Guns:
Removing all firearms and ammunition from the home is the safest course of action. This is especially important if you’ve identified that your loved one can no longer responsibly and safely own and operate a firearm. How you handle removal will depend on your loved one’s abilities.
If you feel you can still include your loved one in the discussion and decision, you could refer to the “gun trust” and say, “it is time”.
In some cases, for a loved one with less judgement you may need to divert attention from the guns. Try saying “let’s see about getting your gun cleaned or appraised.” In some cases when you remove the guns from the home, they will forget to ask about them being returned.
If your loved one is adamant on keeping the guns, and you determine you must remove the firearms against your loved ones’ wishes, you need to seek professional guidance. A medical professional or a mental health expert can provide valuable insight into the individual's ability to make safe decisions. Also, your loved one may receive the information better if it comes from a professional. You might also want to consider a peer that your loved one would respond favorably to. If your loved one is retired law enforcement or military, you might be able to enlist the help of a former colleague or seek guidance from the local VA or police department.
Secure Firearm Storage:
Should any firearms remain in the home, locking them in a secure place is crucial. Even if someone with dementia no longer uses firearms, the presence of weapons in the home can still pose a risk. Caregivers can reduce the risk by storing them unloaded, removing ammunition, and disabling trigger mechanisms.
Keep in mind storing ammunition with the firearm can also pose a danger. Consider whether your loved one is capable of breaking into a cabinet or if they are still able to access the safe, would they be able to load the firearm? There are times when people living with dementia misperceive danger and will take action towards that perceived threat.
Warning Signs To Watch For:
Cognitive Decline and Impaired Judgment:
Forgetting where firearms are stored or misplacing them.
Forgetting to lock up firearms when small children or guests are present.
Trouble remembering safety protocols such as removing ammunition from the firearm and keeping the safety mechanism on.
Trouble with recognizing family members.
Behavior and Mood Changes:
Depression. It is especially important to watch for any suicidal ideation.
Hallucinations. Should your loved one feel threatened or concerned, there is a higher risk that they may use their gun on a care partner or family member.
Aggression, irritability, or impulsiveness. These risk factors can lead to a devastating outcome.
Physical and Sensory Impairments:
Changes in physical coordination and motor skills that impact loading/unloading, shooting, or cleaning the firearm.
Decreased reaction time.
Vision changes.
Impaired hearing. Consider whether your loved one will hear and understand law enforcement if they are present.
