This can be a very trying time for both you and your mom. As a Care Manager I have had to help seniors realize that accepting help is not a bad thing, and will often allow them to stay in their own home.
I would encourage your mom to see what she may be eligible for and ways to cut costs. Is so so strapped financially that she qualifies for food stamps, many seniors unknowingly do. Is she paying an outragous amount for her Medicare supplemental insurance if that's the case have her look into a Medicare Advantage program, this can save Thousands of dollars a year in premiums and deductibles, and some of those plans are better and more benefits than traditional medicare and include things like dental, which if she is paying for separately again frees up more money.
Does she have Cable, does she really need it? That can save a boat load of money, is she driving a new or older car? If she has her vehicle paid for, and has a good driving record talk to the insurance company about knocking down her costs, which they are usually willing to do for young seniors (esp if they have been a customer for a long time, and may have to drop if they don't get a break).
Can she refinance her house? Reverse Mortgage?
These are all ways that she is getting some financial breaks without really accepting help from others, and can be enough to make the difference.
