A somatic support system for the total support of a bed-dependent person includes a multi-section mattress support frame assembly which is carried by a vertically movable body lift frame assembly. A quickly detachable modular power unit is carried by a unit frame assembly and operates the body lift frame which is also carried by the unit frame and within a surrounding panel assembly. The mattress support frame assembly itself is infinitely adjustable by operation of the power unit and allows the bed-dependent person to be placed in any of a number of positions. Various adjuncts for use in the care of the bed-dependent person are useable with the somatic support system.