It sounds like a very scary time for your mother, coping and having to provide for herself.
There is often a 'honeymoon' phase to new relationships, including work relationships.
I wonder if she'd consider a therapist to help her with the adjustment.

Phase One: The Fear and Desparation.
Phase Two: The Relief and The Hope.
Phase Three: More Fear and Insecurity.
Phase Four: The Self Disappointment, The Self Loathing, The Intensified Fear, The Hopelessness. (for relief, see Phase One)