For me my first digital SLR was a Nikon d50. I still use it for forum pictures and truck repairs, because the mega pixels are lower, it doesn't take up a huge amount of hard drive storage space. My new d5200, could blow up an ant to a poster size, works great at processing speeds, and functions well with wideangle-zoom lens combos. I think I will try it on low resolution and see how big the files are. Both camera bodies I bought online at EvilBay for a huge discount from New York based camera stores.
Like everyone else said it just depends on how much detail, and photo setting choices you want. Some of the digital pocket cams are marvelous. Of my photography friends, half have cannons and swear by them the other half have Nikons. Both are excellent reliable and packed with features that you can grow into, in the mean time they also have auto modes where learning is not necessary and take great shots fast. The D5200 Nikon required me to by a D5200 for dummies book(great series of aftermarket manuals) to start to understand what I could do with the camera(more than I will ever need!).
Point and shoot cameras also are fantastic, but you might find your new cell phone can take just as good if not better pics now, without buying a camera at all. My Droid Turbo is great, and my wife's Iphone#whatever, is great too. So lots of choices along with a lot of less expensive cameras out there too. In general the more expensive, the better the optical clarity, better the warrantee, better tha battery life, and usage time. My 10 year old Nikon still has the original batteries that still hold full charges and last for about 500 full res pictures. The D5200, hasn't run out of juice to need recharging yet. Another thing to look at is the recharging time for full battery charge. Newer=faster these days. Hope some of this was helpful. Also hope your wife recovers to full health soon!