Hi juliedyan!
So wonderful that you are going to help navigate your mother's upcoming back surgery. It will be a journey for her and with all of your help, and other family members, she will do fine. Being prepared is HUGE and God bless you for thinking ahead. I am almost 3 months from my 2 back surgeries fusions (L3 to S1 and a stabilzation rod). Plus, my husband just had a double laminectomy last Monday (8/14) and I am just amazed at how well he is doing. Some of my ideas may of already been shared but hope I can provide some tips to help you & your momma...
#1!!! You must have a grabber stick and maybe 3 or 4 placed throughout her home. We use this tool more than anything else. With the no BEND, no TWIST, no LIFT restrictions the grabber stick can really help to avoid any compromising activities!!
#2 Shoes - Yes, as mentioned before, have easy shoes to get on & off. I have liked my Skechers slip ons. They are so easy to get on and your mom will need good shoes for walking as that will be the most important therapy for the first 3 months.
#3 Mental Health - As you mentioned, you are concerned about depression post-surgery and this is a very valid concern. I have fluctuated with depression these months and have found that I can only watch Comedy movies, read light-hearted books and then I was blessed with finding Leanne Morgan on Netflix and YouTube. She is hilarious and her humor is just plain clean & fun! Leanne is especially appealing to more mature women.
#4 Organization - You have already received some great organizational tips from others but I really encourage you to get anything she will need in easy accessible places...no bottom drawers or cupboards. (for example, I knew I'd not be needing any of my holiday cooking/baking items so I put those items in storage so I could have room for items I need to use now).
I will be praying for you & your mom.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phil. 4:13