Something like a runner to cover her shoulders. Put pockets at both ends and make it wide enough to keep the chill off her back and shoulders. I've started making them for the ladies in a local home care and they love them. Very easy and don't take a lot of fabric

A lap quilt is usually appreciated in a senior living area.
They do not take up much space if place on the bed.

Lap robes are nice, but usually find their way into someone else's home very quickly. A house coat would be nice, make sure to label it.. Many times a duster/house coat is what my Mom preferred to wear. I made mom several out of bright, cheery colors. She loved those and you don't have to worry too much with fit.

Do you know if she will have a private or semi-private room with her own furniture? If she will have her own bed, chair and tv I think an over-the-arm remote caddy would be very handy for her to use. My mom loved to watch tv and read.. Her caddy held her remote, a book or magazine and a package of tissues and a few other things she liked to have close at hand.

Anything you make, be sure you label it indelibly and permanently, in nice bold visible lettering.

I have been looking for this pattern ever since I read your story. This is a kind of shawl that works well for people in the nursing home whether they are in a wheel chair or not. I cut the neck square and put a big button and loop closure to help it stay on their shoulders. http://www.modabakeshop.com/2010/08/pure-comfort.htm

If things go for wAlks make what ever in the brightest colours you can find which will show up a mile away.

My MIL lives in a nursing home, they like having lap quilts or maybe a shoulder warmer. Especially going into winter, they all seem to get cold when the weather cools. Find out what her favorite color is and send something from the heart.