OT:LONG: Help/advice for a quilting friend

Thank you for reading this! When  I need help with a problem I check
in with  the wisest and kindest folks around; my cyberguild!  My
current question concerns how I might be able to help a couple of
friends in the guild I belong to.  Condensed version: One friend has
been confined to an extended care facility for an recently suffered
injury that required surgery. She is also struggling with many other
chronic health issues and has been admitted to a rehab center/nursing
facility for care that may last for years. This lady has no family
interested in her current state of affairs. She is single and had been
living alone and as I understand it, in distressed financial
condition. She is an extremely private person. In any event, she must
now vacate her present apartment (her landlord wants to rent to a new
tenant). She is confined to a wheelchair and current pain medication
does not provide her the mental clarity necessary  to make these life
altering decisions. As guild members some of us have pitched in to try
to do what we can to help her as much as possible.  Another friend has
taken on the lion's share of this task. She has many acquaintances in
the health care field who have been wonderful providing assistance.
But she is on the verge of being overwhelmed and has asked me to help
out if I am able to do so. So here is what I am trying to find out.
Has anyone had any experience with companies that perform estate sales
or household liquidations? What kind of questions should one ask? What
should one  avoid?  I am so far out of my league on this one, but I
have to learn quickly. I have no power of attorney rights, so I am
strictly acting as a fact finder to help my friends.   Thanks to all
in advance for your responses - I know I have come to the right forum.
Please remember my friends in your prayers. 
DeNise
[EMAIL PROTECTED]