Not sure I can give much advice, really.
First of all, I am sorry about your mom being ill, I hope things get better soon.
As per puppy, is he/she of the temperament that could be easily trained into becoming an outside dog? If so, your life could be a bit easier in a house as opposed to an apartment, as you could create a nice environment outside for puppy (doghouse, play areas, etc) and let him/her stay in the yard during your work day.
Other than that, I do not know what to say to help. The alternative options that come to mind are not too appealing, you know, things such as day boarding, etc.
Or, do you have friends in the new town that could host puppy in their backyard during the work day?