assessing gun safety in the homes of the elderly

Is There a Gun in the Home?

Aging Life Care Professionals™ who serve elders in their homes assess a number of factors to ensure the safety and security of the family, paid caregivers, and other professionals working in the home. A recent survey by the Aging Life Care Association™ identifies many diagnoses that can compromise safety if there is an unsecured gun in the home.

Professionals Employed by Elders Assess Safety Risks of Guns in the Home

The heightened awareness of the responsibilities of gun ownership and gun safety prompted the Aging Life Care Association ™ to conduct a survey to learn whether their members discuss this topic when conducting their initial assessment. The survey of Aging Life Care Managers™ indicates that unsecured firearms, sometimes combined with a variety of diagnoses, is a safety concern of many professionals.

During the mid-summer survey (July 15-20, 2016) Aging Life Care Managers™ were asked if they include questions about firearms when interviewing prospective clients and, if so, how that affected their providing services in the home.

gun in the home of aging adults
• The majority of Aging Life Care Professionals found the frequency of guns in the house “Very Rarely” (31.2%) or “Sometimes” (27.2%).

Fully 50% of those surveyed (141 of 282) said they include a question in their assessment regarding the presence of firearms. Some respondents said it was their employer’s requirement to ask this question; others said it was as important as knowing about the client’s driving ability, medications, alcohol or tobacco use, or potential sources of elder abuse. Many commented that they have not asked the question in the past, but will in the future. In addition,

  • 52% require that firearms are securely locked up
  • 10 % require that firearms be removed
  • 1% decline services if firearms are present

Further findings show:

  • The majority of Aging Life Care Professionals found the frequency of guns in the house “Very Rarely” (31.2%) or “Sometimes” (27.2%).
  • The biggest threats to firearm safety in the home included diagnoses of dementia, depression, PTSD, or mental illness of any kind.
  • Most respondents said if there are firearms in the house they require that they are securely locked up (52%).
  • A very few (less than 1%) felt it was not appropriate to ask clients about gun ownership.
  • Overwhelmingly, respondents said they had to evaluate the safety implications of guns in the house on a case-by-case basis, citing cognitive functioning, medications, diagnoses, family dynamics, etc.

Several respondents recounted stories of suicides by clients that took place while professional caregivers were in the home. Said one Aging Life Care Manager™, “I had a client commit suicide after the family said all firearms were removed from the house. He had one hidden. He was terminal with brain cancer with metastasis.” A similar circumstance was described by another care manager as “one of the worst days of my life.”

The topic of guns can sometimes offer a positive influence in a client-care manager relationship. Said one care manager, “Discussing firearms, hunting stories, and war stories involving the use of firearms is a great way to bond with your client.”

As the survey found, certain diagnoses can result in a dangerous environment both for the client and those working in the home. And even with professional supervision, mistakes can be made. One respondent described this case:  “Client 92, former military. Family felt guns were out of the house. Professional guardian (former military herself) conducted detailed search of the home after appointed and assured me that there were no weapons in home. The client threatened to shoot the night caregiver but never produced a gun. However, while filling medication boxes and securing extra meds in a lockbox in a spare room, I found a handgun. Now I always assume there could be a weapon even if I am told there is not one.”

The Aging Life Care Association (ALCA) does not take a position on guns or gun ownership. As a professional society, their purpose is to provide education, networking, and professional development to their members.


This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute, nor is it intended to be a substitute for, professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Information on this blog does not necessarily reflect official positions of the Aging Life Care Association™ and is provided “as is” without warranty. Always consult with a qualified professional with any particular questions you may have regarding your or a family member’s needs.

Photo: Image ID:143257954 Copyright: gwolters

Comments are closed.