Just be clear you are an option for help if needed, other than that be nice and don’t over worry. People with limited mobility like to run their own lives, just the same as we all do. It sounds like you’ve been a pleasant neighbor, keep it up and continue shoveling if you want. Snow is usually considered fair game for anyone willing, and people almost always appreciate its removal. If you don’t want pay, say it’s not something you accept for snow removal. Pretty normal for people who grew up in snowy cities to volunteer some shoveling time. If they ask you to stop, you should heed their request.

I used to help out my grandparents and their friends with stuff. My grandparents always insisted on paying me and sometimes their friends would pay me too.

At first, I’d refuse until they told me that it makes them feel bad. So, I’d gladly take their money and save it in an envelope. Then, when something would break or need to be replaced, I’d say, “oh, I have an extra one of those! Gimme a couple of days to look for it.” And then I’d buy it with the money they gave me.

My wife and I would also take my grandparents out to dinner using the money they paid me, or I’d buy groceries and cook them a few meals, but tell them that I accidentally made extras.

Unless she’s paying you way too much, just take the money and then use it to fund helping her.

Another perspective, from a woman in her 70s. It’s lovely that you’re being so thoughtful. But this whole thread reminds me of a train journey I made a little while ago. A young man took a seat next to an older woman, maybe in her 60s. For a hundred miles or so he told her loudly about his life - university, sports, ambitions. She got off at her station, “lovely to meet you” etc. He then phoned a friend and told them, “Yes I’m on the train, just been chatting to an old dear, keeping her company…”

All of us “old dears” in the vicinity were smirking and side-eyeing each other, it was hilarious. My point is, are you sure she’s decrepit? I’d be a little taken back if someone did chores for me unbidden, however well motivated. And although I live alone, I’m not lonely. I’m not criticising your kind impulses, just warning you against being a touch patronising.

I have an example and a suggestion.

There’s an old lady living across the street from us. We’ve been living here for twenty years and her partner passed away there about two years ago. I want her to not feel alone and I know she really loves my beef stew (I honestly make a savage beef stew) so when I make some I get one of our kids (who she knows since they were born) to drop some over to her. She always drops back the bowl with like some fruit in it. I considered saying not to but I actually feel like she likes the reciprocity. Anyway if you get a nice smell coming from that lady’s place some day, drop that in to the conversation. She’ll remember and you’ll get some great food then there’s balance.

Another way is for it to “just happen” in a silent way. Just say nothing after you’ve done it and gently refuse payment but put the kindness on her.

“Oh no, I’m happy to do it. You’re very kind to offer but I absolutely couldn’t. Thank you though. You’re very kind.”

That way she won’t feel indebted.

Everything’s been addressed that I can think to add, but I just wanted to say: y’all have got the right mindset and I appreciate you for it. Keep making the world a little bit better however you can.

Try and spend time with her just to spend time with her, if she sees you as a friend she might be more open to asking for help.

Maybe ask her for something small so she feels like she’s helping me too?

If they always insist on paying, yeah, that’s what I usually do. Typically phrase it something like, "No thanks, I don’t really need the money, but I do like [biscuits | cookies | whatever her cooking specialty may be]. Helps if you know they like to cook, though.