I’m Caring for an Aging Loved One

As people age, their needs change, and so does the way we think about safety. Firearms at home should be stored securely with those changes in mind.

Whether it’s memory loss, vision decline, confusion, or a new medication, aging can make everyday decisions more difficult and sometimes more dangerous. A gun that’s easy to access can increase the risk of unintended harm during moments of disorientation, stress, or crisis.

Even older adults with a lifetime of firearm experience may forget to lock it, leave it loaded, or misjudge a situation. Safe storage offers an extra layer of protection for everyone in the home.

Having a talk with your older loved ones or their caregivers about secure gun storage can be life saving. For help guiding that conversation, check out resources like the Alzheimer’s Association Firearm Safety Toolkit.