(She lives in an apartment in a relatively urban area but does not like making use of senior services, which I'm guessing may be very common)
Better purse - Mom likes to carry a purse and basically the equivalent of a filing cabinet. So I got a cute leather bucket bag with plenty of zipper pockets to carry everything she needs and to be able to reach important things quickly in the small pockets.
A pocket sized "wallet"
- At home I keep important things in my pocket instead of my purse. Just in case. For an elderly person it's important to keep some money and ID in the purse and some in pockets...for the same reason. That way if they forget the purse somewhere they are not left high and dry.
A great refrigerator - Since she will be shopping less she will need to be able to store more fresh food and make sure it can keep for a while.
A jitterbug phone and plan - There's one plan with emergency help, and after going through multiple cell phones (and not even wanting to "go there" with a smartphone which I know she couldn't use very easily) we are exploring the Jitterbug, designed for elderly folk. http://www.jitterbugdirect.
OTHER TO DO
Get her bus schedules
Find better transport than taxis (apparently there are many volunteer drivers through different non profits of which I have yet to delve.)
Find better transport than taxis (apparently there are many volunteer drivers through different non profits of which I have yet to delve.)
TEST RUN THE NEW LIFESTYLE WITH MOM
-Take bus with mom
-Schedule 2 different pick ups from the senior center so mom can get used to it.
-Empty car to take it with me :(-Change the insurance policy.