Regarding Gun Ownership

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Regarding Gun Ownership
27
Thu, 12-24-2009 - 12:47pm

I have always been adamant about gun ownership and the responsibility that goes along with it. I think our gun laws and regulations are too lax....here is an example:

There is an older woman who is an ex aunt (by marriage) who is obviously in the early stages of Alzheimer's. I have been hearing stories about her "exploits" for several months. She is living with her daughter and husband and apparently is very headstrong and will not go to a doctor or take meds for her condition. Just last week, while I was visiting with another aunt and uncle, this woman's daughter mentioned her mother's gun. "Gun!" I exclaimed, "Do you mean she has a gun?" Her daughter looked a little embarrassed, but affirmed that yes, she has a gun. Then went on to tell about how she also has a concealed/carry permit! She then told about a few times when she was driving her mother in her car and asked where her gun was and was told it was in the side pocket in the door. Once it was just thrown into the trunk and rattled around back there for who knows how long. Then I asked the "scary" question...."Is it loaded?" You guess it, yes it is loaded and is always loaded. This woman has several young great grandchildren who visit often, and you know how youngsters are always getting into purses looking for gum or what not. I was just flabbergasted! If this isn't an accident waiting to happen, I don't know what is! I asked this woman's daughter if there was someway they could remove the firing pin (or whatever it is that makes the gun not fire). The daughter just kind of grinned and shrugged. I would hate to think one day one of her little grandchildren might accidently be shot or shoot someone.

Okay, off my soapbox.

 
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-30-2002
Fri, 01-01-2010 - 4:17pm

***Then the kids insisted that he have a full-time caregiver because he flat out refused to go into a care center.



iVillage Member
Registered: 03-30-2007
Fri, 01-01-2010 - 4:51pm

OMG. Thank You. I couldn't have said it better! My Mom just had knee replacement surgery. She is in a Nursing home right now. Has been for a month. I am the only one who visits her. My older brother can't. He has no way and is in bad shape himself. My younger brother has been to see her twice. But manages to call me to tell me how awful the place is. Plus my Niece. Who works in a Nursing Home, that has been to see her once. Diagnosed her all by her self. Age 17 yrs. (big eye roll here)

I was burnt out before she had surgery. Now it's all on me. My Mom will not get Meals on Wheels. But she will go to my older brothers' and take what he won't eat from (drum roll please) Meals on Wheels.
Grrrrr.... Did I mention when she is released, she will be without a stove. It broke about 2 months ago!

Avatar for ddnlj
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 01-04-2010 - 9:27am

I don't blame the woman, I blame the family. Stubborn she may be, but she wouldn't have a loaded gun around me or herself because I would take it away AND I would go to the police, explain the situation and have the gun permit withdrawn.


I'll bet they don't let her drive a car (at least I hope not). So why would they allow her to keep a loaded gun? This is a case of family irresponsibility.

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Avatar for ddnlj
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 01-04-2010 - 9:29am

OK, you answered that question about driving.


If she has diagnosed Alzheimer's the family can get documentation from her doctor and have her driver's licensed pulled also.

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Avatar for ddnlj
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 01-04-2010 - 9:36am

We had to do the same with MIL. She also got lost in the car. She jumped a curb once and slammed into a lightpost. (Thank God no one was standing there).

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Avatar for ddnlj
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 01-04-2010 - 9:45am

I'm so sorry you're going through this. Sounds like a huge weight on your shoulders. Even though you may not be right there with them I'm sure you still worry all the time and are frustrated that they won't let you help them.


I don't know why some elderly people get so stubborn. You would think they would want things easier for themselves and their family. Don't ever think you're neglecting your parents. I'm sure you're doing as much as they'll let you do. It's just so hard when they get to a point where they're more like children than parents, but you still can't take control of them like you can children.


HUGS

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 01-04-2010 - 9:25pm
Yes, they do let her drive a car! That is what I meant about a car also being a weapon in some hands. She has no more business driving than she does carrying a gun. Our aunt who is getting alzhiemer's has to wear a tracking device on her arm because this daughter in law took her to a dr and they told her (daughter in law) that she might wander away, so now she has to wear a tracking device. She is still more intelligent and aware than daughter in law's mother who has the gun. But do you think they take her car away, or have her wear a tracking device even though she drives away in her car for hours and they have no idea where she is! Don't get me started!
 
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-10-2008
Mon, 01-04-2010 - 11:12pm
IMAO: would you be as concerned if she was 20?
xvra
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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-23-2003
Thu, 01-07-2010 - 11:47am

Welcome to In The News.


While your question wasn't addressed to me, after reading the post it is in response to, I'm not quite sure what you were asking.


I would think any of us would feel concerned about a driver who's skills were now subpar, regardless of their age.



iVillage Member
Registered: 05-23-2008
Thu, 01-07-2010 - 12:24pm

It's unbelievable that a woman with alzheimers would be allowed to have a gun.