FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: When should I have these discussions with my family?
We think it is best to begin these discussions today, perhaps with the support of this tool. By starting early and planning ahead you can avoid difficult situations in the future. It’s best to have these discussions as someone the person with dementia trusts, respects, and will listen to. Talking about these issues is a great first step towards creating a safer home. Completing a Firearms Advanced Written Directive during these conversations can also help you make a written plan for the near and far future.
Q: I don’t own the firearms and I’m afraid that the owner won’t want me to limit access to their guns – what should I do?
These can be difficult conversations to have. Stress that safety is the most important issue - safety for you, for the firearm owner, for the person with dementia, and for others. If the person with dementia has mild impairment or early dementia, you can emphasize that it’s the disease - not them - that’s the concern, and making safer storage decisions is an opportunity for the firearm owner to keep protecting the family. If they have moderate or severe impairment, you may need to make decisions for them. If they are upset by not having access to the guns, you could consider disabling one so that it’s no longer dangerous but can be handled by the firearm owner. For assistance in disabling a firearm, please consult a local gun shop, firing range, or sportsmen’s group.
Q: What are some of the warning signs that I should be aware of?
Behavior changes like paranoia, anxiety, suspicion, or anger can make aggressive behavior towards other people more likely. These behaviors may develop in dementia even if they aren’t typical of the person in the past. Signs of suicide risk include sadness, hopelessness, depression, and talking about death. It’s good to trust your instincts – if you feel that something is wrong or doesn’t feel right, take steps to secure firearms today.
Q: The person with dementia has always been safe around firearms. Why should I worry about them hurting someone now?
It can be hard to think that a loved one might be dangerous to themselves, you, or others, but dementia causes changes to the brain that can result in confusion, memory problems, and behavior changes. The person with dementia might think people – even relatives or friends – are strangers breaking into the home, or they might not remember how to use a gun safely. Remember, it’s the disease – not the person – that’s the concern.
Q: Do I have to make a permanent decision right now?
No. If you’re not sure, you can take some time to think about the best long-term decision for you and the person with dementia. But it’s also important to make sure things are safe now. Think about where and how you store the firearms, who has access to them (especially the person with dementia), and what you’ll want to do with the guns in the future. Temporarily removing firearms while you discuss these matters has an immediate impact on safety – and provides more time to decide what the next steps will be.
Q: I don’t know how to handle or move guns safely – who can help me?
Consider asking trusted family members or friends who are knowledgeable about firearms to handle or move the items for you. Or you could contact someone in the local firearms community – these could be gun retailers, gunsmiths, or law enforcement. It’s a good idea to call ahead before taking firearms to a gun shop or other facility. Also make sure all firearms are unloaded and safe to transport before moving them in, around, or out of the house.
Q: Where can I find home safety devices (lock boxes, safes?)
You can find many home storage devices at gun shops, hardware stores, or sporting goods stores including Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Home Deport, Lowes, Target, and Walmart. You can also buy them online. Your local police, sheriff, or VA hospital may also give out locks for free.
Q: What about other legal questions I might have about these guns?
A lawyer or professional fiduciary can help you sort through different legal options for transferring ownership or possession of firearms, such as a gun trust. These laws vary based on where you live, so be sure to contact someone locally if you would like to know more about gun trusts or wills. The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys has a resource available if you’d like to view some legal representatives in your state for assistance.
The following links can help you learn more about gun laws in your state: