Cassandra.....If you can arrange for visiting medical/social services to come to her home.....that might be helpful...
I worry about the possibility of DT's or other withdrawl syndromes, or withdrawl seizure....which can happen, even several days...like 7 or 8 days later..
After surgery on her shoulder...perhaps she could go to a rehabilitation center for a while....as she is unlikely to be able to care for herself very well after the surgery...The medical folks can give her medication, in a managed way to keep her comfortable and out of withdrawls...
dandylion