Ensuring our elders and children are safe in the home

It was narrated from Salamah bin ‘Ubaidullah bin Mihsan Al-Ansari that his father said:

“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Whoever among you wakes up physically healthy, feeling safe and secure within himself, with food for the day, it is as if he acquired the whole world.’

Sunan Ibn Majah 4141

MashaAllah this reported observation by the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is a guide for all mankind and a reminder of the Mercy and Blessings that Allah has given up.

Our homes shelter us from the outside influences that stress the body – extremes in temperature, air quality concerns, weather, insect, animal and human incursions.  It is within the home that we also ensure that the living conditions afford and support our physical health and safety.  Within the Muslim family, seniors and young children (babies and toddlers) are more vulnerable to their surroundings which require due diligence to ensure their security and good health.

For our senior family members, the most major concern is fall prevention.  Falls are most likely to happen when items block the pathway or are unseen because of poor lighting or small size.

Clear pathways: 

• Remove clutter
• Place shoes in a rack or cubby against the wall
• Tie up loose wires from electronics and appliances to reduce tripping
• Note that small decorations like plants, vases, baskets etc may not be easily seen 
• In multigenerational homes have a secure place for toys – especially small ones 

Improve lighting: 

• Nightlights and motion-activated lighting in hallways, stairways, and bathrooms help seniors see within the home 

Secure stairways: 

• Consider installing handrails on both side of stairways,
• Add slip resistant stair treads, anti slip tape or even paint with grit additives
• Add a contrasting color to the edge of each step to distinguish steps from one another
• Clear steps of clutter like mail, newspaper, decorative elements on steps etc. 
• Add a stair lift if necessary

Modify bathroom

• Install grab bars near the toilet and in the shower. 
• Add water absorbent mat under bidet or istinja bottle to keep the area from being slippery
• Include a shower chair or bench, and consider a walk-in tub or shower. 
• Use a raised or high-profile toilet seat for easier use. 
• Set the water heater to prevent scalding

Accessibility: 

• Store frequently used items in easily accessible, low-level locations. 
• Install a ramp outside the house if necessary
• If a senior uses a walker or wheelchair, reduce the friction in flooring area
• Consider an personal alert system that seniors can access when in danger

Doors and doorknobs: 

• Consider lever-style handles which are easier for those with arthritis  
• add smart doorbells for safety

Furniture: 

• Use sturdy chairs with armrests to make it easier to sit and stand
• Rearrange furniture to create wide clear walking pathways
• Remove throw rugs that can get caught on furniture or walkers
• Place prayer mats in a visible location easy to reach and without obstruction

Emergency systems:

• Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. 
• Install emergency pull cords 
• Ensure appliances have safety features like auto-shutoff and replace any with frayed cords. 
• Keep flammable items, like curtains and bedding, at least three feet away from heat sources. 

The next most vulnerable members of our Muslim households are the young children – particularly babies and toddlers.  While the main concern with seniors may be falls, with young children the major issue is choking hazards.

• Clear floors of all small items –coins, buttons, beans, pins, small toys from older children etc. – children can choke or items can get caught in airway tearing
• Clear the floor of larger items that can also be choked on or should only be used with adult supervision – pens and pencils, stick incense, fingernail files, glasses,  toothbrushes
• Keep all medicines out of reach and with child safety caps – children can quickly overdose leading to death
• Keep all lithium batteries in an out of reach location – children can consume and be poisoned
• Keep all plastic bags out of children’s reach – they lead to suffocation
• Avoid window coverings that have cords – children can hang themselves or bite on the plastic part of the cord and choke
• Block electrical outlets or put non chocking safety plugs in all unused outlets – this prevents electric shock
• Secure furniture for stability and to prevent tip over – many parents nail dressers, changing tables etc to the wall
• Remove floor lamps or place out of reach – they can tip over causing harm
• Place television and computer monitors securely so they won’t tip over or be pulled down upon a child
• Use corner guards or edge bumpers on furniture to prevent hard bumps
• Secure cleaning supplies in a locked or out of the way location to prevent burns and poisonings
• Place secure screens on all windows, especially when open allowing children to push items or themselves out of,
• Put child resistant covers or place trash in a secure place away from small children so they cannot touch contents that may be dangerous – broken glass, spoiled food, plastic
• Secure fireplace, woodstoves, kerosene heaters and even electrical heaters to prevent burns
• Put safety locks on all cabinets containing dangerous items
• Install safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs to prevent falls
• Note which household plants may be poisonous and keep them away 
• Secure all pet relieving stations 
• Place a tape marker on glass doors
• Note that folding doors can catch and pinch little fingers
• Also note that swinging doors can knock a child done
• Place safety knobs on door knobs so toddlers cannot open doors
• Remove keys from doors that can be broken off

Author bio: Mahasin D. Shamsid-Deen is the news curator and content manager for Muslim Network TV (MNTV) and contributing writer for Sound Vision.  She holds a master’s degree in English writing and has worked as both a High School and College ESL Instructor and Writing Instructor for more than a decade.  Mahasin has numerous published articles, books, essays and is a published playwright with three award winning stage plays.  She is currently writing her dissertation for her doctoral degree.