A firearm in the hands of an elderly loved one can be dangerous, depending on the circumstances. For instance, if your elderly loved one still owns a gun and is suffering from ailments such as depression, Alzheimer’s, or dementia, deadly consequences could result if the situation is ignored.
According to the Pew Research Center, about 40 percent of seniors have a firearm in their homes. That’s why it’s important to consider the following information to promote gun safety for your aging loved one.
Know When the Situation Is Too Risky
When seniors have ailments that impact their mental health, like Alzheimer’s and dementia, it’s critical to understand that the associated symptoms include personality changes. These changes can manifest as confusion, aggressive behavior, memory loss, depression, and anxiety. All of these characteristics can influence a person’s ability to think clearly, rationally, and safely.
Just as it’s risky for an elderly person to drive a vehicle when they have these health issues, the use of a firearm is equally risky, if not more so. Also, as difficult as it is to have the discussion that your elderly loved one should no longer be driving, that same type of uncomfortable conversation needs to be held concerning firearm ownership and use. In both instances, your loved one may feel like they’re losing control and want to cling to their independence.
Tips To ConsiderÂ
Be prepared for a challenging conversation. You might want to consider these factors when planning what you’ll say to your elderly loved one to convince them to give up their firearms.Â
- Try to reason with them if they are being stubborn. For example, see if you can get them to give up the ammunition if they won’t get rid of the gun or to have the trigger mechanism disabled.
- Were they a hunter and no longer hunt? Then explain the gun is no longer necessary and is dangerous to have around the home.
- If your loved one is no longer competent enough to possess a firearm in the first place and refuses to get rid of the gun or the ammunition, then you may want to consult with the local police department and explain the situation.
- Do not take the gun from the home without your loved one’s permission. Technically, this is still theft.
- If your loved one does agree to give up the gun, you may turn it in to the local police.
Gun Safety Advice for Your Loved One
If your loved one is still competent enough to own a gun, but you are worried about them still using it safely, you may want to consider the following:
- Ensure your loved one knows how to safely use the firearm, or if necessary, replace the gun with another that is safer for them to use.
- Consider a firearm training class for your loved one.
- Ensure that your loved one still understands when it is and is not appropriate to use the firearm.
A Tampa Elder Law Attorney Can Help
If you are having difficulty navigating these issues with an elderly loved one, you should consider contacting a Tampa elder law attorney with the experience necessary to handle all of your elder law concerns. Our lawyers are here to provide guidance to help you manage this challenging time in your elderly loved one’s life. For help getting started, contact our Brandon law firm at (813) 438-8503.