Rescue cat

After living for the past 14 years without pets, I am now at home a great deal and thought it was time to have a companion. As I still go away a reasonable amount for long weekends (usually visiting my children), and have limited mobility, did not think a dog the best answer and settled for a rescue cat.
After having my house and me checked out, I was 'passed' and collected her last Thursday. She is 5-6 years old, and all I have been told about her previous owner is that she was an old lady who had dementia and then died. It was her son who took the cat to the rescue centre.
I think she is settling in well - is eating and using the litter tray. She has obviously not been permitted to go onto armchairs or settees, but will not use the cat bed I bought for her.
Be so pleased when I can let her out into the garden, but that will not be for a good few weeks.
I would appreciate any advice from people used to settling in rescue cats as to how I can help her. She hates being picked up - does not mind being stroked gently, but seems very nervous at any noise.