PERSONAL STORIES
If you are still unsure about what firearm storage options would be best for you or your family during this stage of life, you can read about what’s worked for other people:
Alonso, age 72, is a Vietnam War veteran who collects and enjoys firearms. He has mild dementia and wants to keep his guns at home. As he’s gotten older, his family has noticed changes in his mood, speech, and memory, along with difficulties remembering where his firearms are stored. Working with his wife and sons, he's begun discussing which safe storage methods are best for him now and what he would like to have done in the future, as his disease progresses.
James, age 50, lives with his mother Janice, age 77, in their suburban home. Seeing changes in his mother’s mental state, James has started to think about his gun storage. After making a few calls and discussing it with her, James and Janice agree that it’s best for James to store his guns at a local gun club until they determine what long-term options would be best for the both of them.
Darryl, age 80, has been a hunter all of his life. Recently, many around him have seen changes in how he acts and his behaviors around firearms. One day, Darryl’s hunting buddy Randy sat down with him and discussed how they could help him manage his hunting rifles after his recent dementia diagnosis. They decided to keep Darryl’s guns and ammo stored at Randy’s home for safe-keeping. They made plans to go hunting together once a year – but Darryl agrees to no longer go by himself.