I also use a tool to grasp the needle to pull through the fabric. It is a curved needle nose set of pliers with spring loaded handles. It was $2 at Harbor Freight and $5 at Tractor Supply. I can push the needle through the fabric and pull with these pliers so it takes very little hand strength.
For the piecing I would suggest pretty cheater panels, panel quilts or whole cloth pieces. Often my mother and I buy a really intricate piece of scenery fabric and quilt the entire thing, just adding a border. The border could be attached with hot glue or team sewed by a friend.