I have scanned this and I don't think anyone has mentioned:

A towel rack to hang/dry her towels on - we have a heated one, lovely :-) a hairdryer and a towelling bathrobe.

If she's unpacking everything to closets and drawers this may be unnecessary, but we have a luggage holder (similar to the folding holders used in hotels) that our guests use. It keeps clothes, etc. off the floor and at an easy height to access.

If she's a letter or postcard writer, a padded lap desk she can use sitting up in bed is wonderful.

Hi Virginia,
The only other thing I could suggest is an electric jug and "the makings" for tea/coffee. And a nice biscuit/cookie or two to go with it (LOL).

I'm sure she would appreciate being able to have a quiet cup of tea/coffee late night/ early morning without worrying about disturbing the house.

I think someone else mentioned a choice of pillows.

And yes, ironed sheets are the ultimate luxury ! There's something just mmmmmmm about crisp white linens!

What a wonderful post! I have an uncle coming in today from California, and this gave me some great ideas!!

The elderly often need brighter lights so I would recommend replacing the light bulb in the room near the bed (that could be used for reading) with one with larger wattage. If you have a 75 watt, increase it to 100 or put in a 3 way bulb if your lighting allows.

Oh, just thought of another one. In the bathroom, be sure any rugs have a non-slip backing on them.

Nice touch is to have fresh towels every day

I would be very careful about scented candles or anything with a strong scent

I agree with GBelle - Really GOOD lighting.

What I really appreciate in a guest room is a mirror. A full length one. If she cares about her manner of dress she will appreciate this. (Most guests do not get their own bathroom).
I always appreciate the bottled water and a robe.
You're very considerate :-)

If this is her first trip there, instead of magazines, maybe get a nice coffee (pictoral) table book of your particular area for her bedside table for light reading. She can enjoy it there and then take it home as a souvenir of her visit.

If that seems a little too costly, then maybe lovely stationary cards (not post cards) with photos of your area.

Packing a warm bathrobe on a trip can be a real burden. I would definately have a nice thick, warm bathrobe for her to use.

As people age, it often becomes more difficult to just get comfortable, as well as mobility issues often arising. So I would give high priority to things like offering a variety of pillows of varying softness and size, and a reading chair that is very soft and comfy, but also low and shallow and easy to get in and out of. Plus a firmer chair, maybe even one from the dining room, to sit on for putting on shoes and such; again, smaller and lower is better.

Since you mentioned a lighted clock, that might suffice as a night light. Although daylight won't be an issue in December, it would still be helpful to provide room-darkening shades if the room faces the street.

Make sure that ordinary over-the-counter comforts are available in her room or in the bathroom, including aspirin, antacids, bandaids, etc. If she will be sharing a bathroom, remove all your prescriptions and then tell her to make herself at home with the medicine cabinet.

I agree that you should avoid flowers and scented items.

One challenge with a genteel older person is that they are less likely to speak up if there's a problem or a need that isn't met. So do make a point of giving her plenty of openings to make requests or suggestions.

These are awesome ideas! I haven't seen electric blanket yet. When I recently stayed with a friend whose house was chilly, I SO VERY MUCH appreciated the electric blanket she put on my bed... aaahhhhh.

Have a great time with her Virginia!@};-

Here's something I had never considered until DH's dear Aunt and Uncle came to visit. She was unable to see where the sheets ended and the carefully matched comforter began! Perhaps a little turn down service (with a candy/chocolate on the pillow) would be helpful. And by all means, show her where she can "stow" her stuff, location of extra pillow and where her towels are located if the bathroom is shared. A pitcher/glass of water and honey/lemon cough drops?

My mother appreciates a bedside clock with LARGE numbers; easier to see at night without glasses.

I think that extra blankets are a great idea. Something soft. Watch out for microwaveable heating pads. If they are too hot, many older people's senses are not as acute as they used to be and burns might occur. Buy two nightlights. Plug one in in the bathroom one and leave the other night light on the bedside table. When you show her to her room, you can ask if she sleeps with one and plug it in if she desires. Chocolates. If she is diabetic, there are lots of good sugar-free chocs. Bottles of H2O. Clock. Phone with the ringer off. Ask her if she is an earlier riser or not. Hope you have a good time!

Genteel ladies don't usually swig their water from a bottle. Might I suggest a small pitcher with fresh water in it each evening and a small glass, or if no pitcher then a glass beside the bottled water. Also a coaster, as she will not want to ruin the finish on your dresser.

I suggest a little gift bag or basket on the bed with a welcome note and some local specialties, candies, orange marmalade, maple syrup or whatever your area is noted for.

Even though I have towels on the towel bar and in the linen closet in the hall, I put a stack of bath towels and face clothes in the cabinet under the sink just in case guests are all ready to step into the tub/shower and realize the towels are out in the hall. Be sure to mention it to her as well. Also in the bathroom I have new toothbrushes and other toiletries in case the guest has forgotten theirs.

Another little touch is to dig up a picture of her or better yet, a picture of her put it in a pretty frame and set it out somewhere in the room.

For years when my aunts came from AZ and when any older people have stayed by me, I've always made sure there they had multiple pillows.

Every one of mine had to have extra pillows as they slept almost sitting up and had or used elevated beds at home. Lots of elderly can not sleep flat or without elevation.

And I always gave them more towels to use and keep in the bedrooms- extra large bath size.