The detrimental effect is that I feel like a loser
As well she should. Spending $ that she doesn't have and must beg for from anonymous strangers for two 16 year old cats doesn't sound fiscally prudent.
I know several people who get their eyes examined to determine the strength of correction needed and get the glasses from WalMart and/or similar places. Reading glasses as well as for distance.
As for getting around - there are numerous services that provide transportation for the elderly/infirm, as well as general house-cleaning. One here in my small town is (for want of a better term) a 'senior citizen's day care' and offers meals at the site and/or delivered to the home, transportation for grocery shopping and medical visits, and so on.
Just another pitiful DUmmy, expecting to be on the receiving end of the redistribution of other people's assets.