Being comfortable in bed is particularly important for anyone who is seriously ill. They will probably spend a lot of time there, even if they are not completely bed-bound. Ask the district nurse for advice on the best way of making your relative or friend comfortable. The district nurse may be able to help by arranging for the loan of an adjustable bed, a special mattress such as a pressure-relieving mattress, mattress pads or protective sheets.

Try to provide lots of pillows of different shapes and sizes, and carefully position the person who is ill, using the pillows. A V-shaped pillow is especially comfortable and can help to relieve pressure on the back. If the person has swollen arms or legs, try to keep the affected limbs higher than the rest of the body. This can be done by using pillows or adjusting the bed if this is possible.

Make sure the person turns, or is turned, frequently to avoid the risk of pressure sores (bed sores). A pressure relief pad or mattress can also help relieve and prevent pressure sores.

If the person you are caring for has difficulty getting to the toilet, they may need a commode, bedpan or urinal. The GP, district nurse, home care team or social worker should be able to arrange this. You can also buy these from chemists or pharmacies. Some commodes are made to look like ordinary bedroom chairs.

If the person you are caring for has breathing problems, their hospital doctor or GP should be able to arrange for special equipment such as oxygen cylinders and nebulisers to be provided in your home.

If the person you are looking after has difficulty walking, the hospital doctor, GP, district nurse, home care team or physiotherapist should be able to arrange for a wheelchair, walking sticks or a walking frame (Zimmer frame).

There are many other smaller gadgets which you might be able to get from the occupational therapist. These include two-handled mugs, an adjustable bed rest, a bed raiser, a bidet bowl and grab rails.

If you can afford it, there are many shops and organisations who sell or hire out aids and equipment (look under 'Disabled' in Yellow Pages). Your local chemist can tell you what is available.

The GP, district nurse, home care team, social worker or occupational therapist should be able to give you advice and make the necessary arrangements.

See resources for living with disability for organisations who give advice on equipment and living with disability.