Good suggestions to check out used machines, but this gal (85 years old) has a mind of her own! I have loaned her my old machine in the past, which is good as new and a workhorse (Necchi purchased in the early 70's) I only replaced it because i felt I should check out a new modern one before I get too old to learn a new one! It is still available and I offered to bring it up. Also, a friend of hers gave her her old one in a cabinet, which is sitting 5 yards from the one she uses, and she doesn't want to use it either. So, in this case, I think my only option is to get DH up there.
As for the scissors, after reading all of your comments, I've decided that a Gingher would be the way to go. That was what her last one was, which she loved, so it should feel the same. She is such a dear friend and has worked so hard all her life and still does, that I just hate seeing her struggle needlessly! Thanks all of you for helping me work through this!