Make a Plan for Firearm Safety
It might make sense to also create an advance directive for firearms. According to the Pew Research Center, 42% of Americans 65 and older live in households with guns. The reasons for gun ownership are as varied as the people who own them. Some people have guns for hunting or marksmanship, while others have firearms for personal protection. Some may have guns they hope to pass down to the next generation.
The reality of responsible gun ownership means reassessing risk as circumstances change. Normal aging comes with physical, emotional, and cognitive changes. About one in 10 older adults has some form of cognitive decline, and some of them are living in homes with guns.
That poses a risk to both the gun owner and their loved ones. Dementia affects memory, thinking, and social abilities enough to interfere with daily functioning. This decline can lead to confusion, poor judgment, and difficulty with complex tasks, including the safe handling of firearms. Even if the guns are in a secure location, a person with cognitive decline may not remember to lock that safe or may lose track of where one or more firearms are stored. Personal responsibility has always been a hallmark of gun ownership, and a new tool could help gun owners and their family members make responsible decisions about firearm safety.
The Firearm Life Plan is a resource designed to help gun owners proactively and anonymously plan for the safe management and disposition of their firearms as they age or if their mental or physical health should decline. This plan is particularly pertinent for individuals diagnosed with conditions that could impair their cognitive functions over time, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Here are some components of a typical Firearm Life Plan:
Firearm inventory: This documents all firearms owned, including their make, model, serial number, and location. This inventory helps in managing and eventually transferring ownership if necessary.
Designation of a firearm proxy: Identify a trusted individual who can take responsibility for the firearms if the owner is no longer able to safely manage them. This person, similar to a health care proxy, is chosen based on their understanding of the owner’s wishes and their commitment to carrying out those wishes responsibly.
Clear instructions for transfer or disposal: Include instructions for selling the firearms, transferring them to another individual, or other forms of disposal according to the owner’s wishes and local laws.
Safety measures: Provide instructions for the secure storage and handling of firearms to prevent unauthorized access, especially as the owner’s ability to oversee these aspects diminishes.
Communication with family members and friends: Discuss the plan with family members, friends, and other relevant parties to ensure they are aware of the owner’s wishes and the procedures to follow. This communication helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures the plan is executed smoothly when necessary.
Legal considerations: There are local, state, and federal laws involved in the transfer, donation, gifting, or destruction of firearms. If you aren’t sure what applies, contact your local police department or the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms for details.
The decision to intervene in gun ownership when a family member has dementia is deeply personal and can be challenging. It requires a careful balance of respecting the individual’s rights and ensuring the safety of all involved. By taking proactive steps families can navigate these waters more safely and effectively.