Making someone's room or home comfortable
It can be frustrating for your friend or family member if they’re unable to do things like switching off a light or drawing the curtains. Or they may be surrounded by medical equipment that changes the room’s atmosphere and makes it feel less personal.
There are small things you can do to help them feel more comfortable in their room or home. Start by asking them how they’re feeling, and if there’s anything they’d like to adjust or change. You may find that how they feel changes each day, and something that once brought them comfort no longer does.
Temperature and comfort
It can be difficult to relax if it’s too hot or too cold. You could try:
- adjusting the heating and their bedding so they’re comfortable
- opening the window or using a fan
- getting extra pillows or ones that are specially shaped for support to sit up.
Get more tips for help someone move in bed.
Space to move
You’ll want to make sure that there’s enough space for you to care safely for your friend or family member. You might need to be able to get to both sides of the bed. They might want to consider using a single bed if the room is small.
Lighting
Your friend or family member may want to adjust the lighting in their room or home throughout the day. You could try:
- positioning their bed or chair so they can see out of the window
- helping them adjust blinds or curtains to avoid glare or being dazzled by sunlight
- bedside lamps and lights with dimmer switches that they can adjust themselves.
Photos, pictures and ornaments
It may help your friend or family member if they’re surrounded by things that bring them comfort and happy memories, for example:
- photos of loved ones
- flowers, cards or pictures they’ve been sent
- objects or ornaments that have special meaning.
Noise
Noise can be stressful. Try to disturb them as little as possible and keep noise to a minimum in their home.
Music, TV and computers
Technology can be a good way for your friend or family member to do things they enjoy and stay in touch with others. If they have a laptop, tablet or phone, they could try:
- streaming services to watch TV, films and listen to music
- audiobooks from the library or the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB)
- smart home devices so they can control things in the home like the temperature and lights
- social media and messaging services to keep in touch with friends and family.
Sometimes people become less interested in things when they feel unwell. Respect their wishes if they don’t feel like listening to music or watching a show they used to enjoy.
Get help with technology from AbilityNet.
Find out how smart devices can help you in the home.
Having things to hand
It could be helpful for your friend or family member to have things within easy reach, including:
- glasses
- hearing aids
- books or notebooks
- headphones
- clock
- tissues
- their phone, tablet or laptop
- a drink
- the TV remote.
The GP, district nurse or occupational therapist may be able to organise for you to have tables and trays that go over the bed. These can help when your family member or friend is reading or eating and drinking. You can also find tables and trays online.
Read about other equipment and home adaptations.
Pets
Pets can lift people’s spirit and bring great comfort, and your friend or family member may want their pet with them in their room or on the bed.
Read our blog on how pets can help people at the end of life.
Respecting their privacy
Sometimes your friend or family member may want to be alone. Try to respect their privacy, especially if you share a room or bed. You should also ask them if they feel up to seeing visitors before you agree it with others, and if there’s anything in the room they’d like to put out of sight, like their medication.
Feelings and worries
As your friend or family member becomes more unwell, they might need more support from you. This can bring about lots of different feelings for both of you. You might find some of the tasks physically and emotionally difficult. The person you care for might feel a loss of control and confidence. And they may be worried about losing their dignity and privacy.
If either of you have concerns or don’t feel comfortable, speak to the GP or district nurse. They can talk you through the options and organise for someone to help with your friend or family member’s personal care. You could also ask for a professional to be there to support you the first time you carry out a care task. If they’re not able to be there in person, they might be able to give you support over the phone.
Need to talk?
Life is more challenging right now, but we're still here for you.
No matter your worries, our nurses, trained officers and volunteers are here to listen.
- Call our free Support Line on 0800 090 2309
- Chat to us on webchat
- Send us an email at support@mariecurie.org.uk
- Speak with other people in similar situations on our online community
Our Support Line is open 8am – 6pm Monday to Friday and 11am – 5pm on Saturday. On bank holidays we're open 10am – 4pm.
About this information
This information is not intended to replace any advice from health or social care professionals. We suggest that you consult with a qualified professional about your individual circumstances. Read more about how our information is created and how it's used.
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