I also believe you did the right thing by putting your mother in a home. Before she was put in a home, my mother was taken care of by my dad. I would go almost every day and would take my fabric with me to cut out. She loved watching me work with the fabrics. I was just getting into quilting. How I wish I had made her a quilt; I did have the fabric bought but never had a chance to make it because I was working full time at the time.
Also, the rail fence pattern is a good one to start with. And yes, take a basic quilting class at your local QS.
Blessings to you!