Maybe it is time to take up golfing? :p
As far as internet access goes maybe you should do what I'm planing on doing when my new laptop gets here next week, subscribe to T-mobile's hot spot service. Basically it gives you unlimited internet access at T-1 speeds at many coffee shops and bookstores for a monthly subscription fee.
http://www.t-mobile.com/hotspot it sure beats the hell out of a dialup.
Good luck with your mom.
Sounds like she is lucky to have a daughter like you to help her out. Sounds like she will be ok once she heals up.