I have read and looked at several sites, but this is an unusual situation and I trust you fodorites more. I have never been to Houston, so have nothing to go on. For the most specific help you can give, I am giving lots of info.

My friend, age 85, is returning to NZ. She gets around OK in the house and a bit of walking, but cannot carry luggage or walk from plane to terminal, etc. She has to be taken in a wheel chair from place to place. She is fine with family and friends, but gets somewhat disoriented when she gets very tired or anxious. Sadly, even though they know her, her travel agent did not do a good job in considering her age and physical issues this time.
She is booked on a 5:30 am flight out of Baltimore to Houston, arriving around 8:00 am.
Her departure flight on New Zealand Air is not until 10:15 pm.
I had planned to go on her flight from Baltimore and stay with her until she got on the NZ flight. Unfortunately, I had an accident with a severe injury, and cannot go. I am very worried about her.

I know there are hotels and shuttles, taxis, etc., but under these circumstances, what is the very best place for her to go for the day, to rest, have food, and to get back and forth easily. The airlines will take care of getting her in the wheelchair for the airport, but how to get to the hotel? If anyone is familiar with the airport and can advise in any way, I will be grateful.

She arrived with all sorts of bags, so we bought one nice piece of luggage to put everything in to check. She carries a big, heavy purse, but may still need a little tote. Thoughts?

Are there traveler help groups that might help?

There is a Marriott hotel in the airport between terminals B and C at IAH, so perhaps she can get a day room.

>>travel agent did not do a good job

we were posting at the same time - yes, it would have to be a day room - and I'd think you'd need to contact them by phone and not try to book on line because that is a very long day room booking.

I'd seriously consider paying a change fee and rebooking the flight from Baltimore to Houston for a later time if that's possible. Otherwise, spending the day at the Marriott seems like the best choice. She's arriving so early though -- I hope she's able to check in early, even if she has to pay for one night.