So sorry to learn that anyone has struggles as a result of the Fed shutdown.  That being said, it might be time to look at having your mother placed in an assisted care facility.  There are some very affordable facilities across the country which are much better equipped to do what you describe.

As for getting paid, I am not sure of the arrangement you have with your customer, but if they provide you guidelines for a job, you deliver on those guidelines, then shouldn’t it be up to them to insure they get it approved and shouldn’t they pay you regardless since you already did your work?  If you were their employee, you would have been paid, right?

Hope you find some relief and maybe you drop a line to your local congressperson about your struggles!