I will refrain from commenting on your personal situation, as you're not likely going to be happy with what I have to say.
At any rate, yes paper wallets are quite secure. There's also Armory, but I'm not as familiar with how that works.
I doubt there's anything you can say that I wouldn't agree with. Unfortunately, early onset dementia caught us off guard, drained our savings paying off medical debt, and left us in a situation where we have to participate or lose the ability to pay our mortgage, bills, etc. And the rules are strict. ANY "extra income" in the checking or savings account will disqualify her. We are expected to live government check to government check.
I'm hoping cold storage will be a safe way to save up for the inevitable appliance repairs, car payments when the one we paid off finally dies, house deductibles for the bi-annual hail storm roof replacements we get here in Oklahoma. (grin)