I'm with MOnica on this. The mother is 88, not 188. I'm not so far off that age (88), if someone suggested i do a little ironing or sort through some photos to occupy my time, whilst hiding me away from the world, I'd be mortified. I'd pack my bags and be off.
If the lady wants to look around the town, why not? There are taxis everywhere these days, her B&B owners will give her the telephone numbers.
Just how cruel can some people be? Its good to remember that, if we are fortunate enough, we may be that granny one day and hope for a better understanding from the people around us who claim to love us, always, not just when it suits them.