Making a person comfortable in bed

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Familiar, serene surroundings

Many people want to be cared for at home at the end of their lives.

However if the person you are caring for is unable to get out of their bed, the room can take on a ‘hospital feel’ if there is a lot of medical apparatus close by.

To help them feel more at ease with their surroundings, there are a number of things you can do.

Lighting can affect mood - and natural light from a window can create a less claustrophobic atmosphere. Bedside lamps and lights fitted with dimmer switches can also create a relaxing mood. However, don’t make any assumptions and ask the person you are caring for what they prefer.

Music can also be very soothing so offer to move a radio, CD player, or MP3 player such as an iPod into the bedroom. Let the person you are caring for decide what type of music they want to listen to - whether it is Mozart or Motorhead.

Family photos, cards and favourite pieces of art can also make the room feel less clinical.