Can you make a simple one for her to use on her bed and have this one folded up for her to use while shes siting in a chair or if she needs a little extra?

putting some tule or voile over them would help a lot. go for it.

I'm not sure tulle would hold up well. It tears easily. After looking up the crepeline someone mentioned I think I would try that first. a lightweight vinyl would also protect it and help her "slide" but I'm not sure i would want it on a quilt. Maybe way you could baste it down so it would be temporary.
The quilt is beautiful.

I agree with this - cheap & effective. It will not dim the flowers. In fast it will add shine.

i think i'm going to try the tule...i will find a piece the size of the whole center area, and quilt over the top of it...i'm not sure how to deal with the edges quite yet...thinking maybe turn under and sew a piece of fabric around it (like a sashing/border) then sew that to the quilt...after the quilting. i will figure out that part after i get the tule...
new experimentation! i will let you all know how it goes!
thank you for all of your advice.

When I patched my old quilt I just cut a piece of tulle and sorta appliqued it on. It doesn't ravel and I didn't turn it under. I found it real easy to use.

I don't have a clue but wanted to tell you that the quilt is just lovely!

I'm all in favor of machine quilting the center. Your goal is for her to be able to enjoy it to its fullest. When I made my elderly mother her quilt, machine stitching was essential because she scootched too! It's too beautiful to hide away and the repairs of rips, cuts, and scootching all tell a great tale!

very beautiful