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Hi,
First of all - you have come to the right place, everyone on this site loves to talk about birds! Congratulations on your new cockatoo - it is simply wonderful that you have taken her in and are already working to improve her life.
The feather loss is not age related. It will be one of two things: medical or behavioral. The first thing you should do is get a vet check up and a blood test called a CBC/CHEM. I do this with every new bird to see if they are having any problems that I can solve before they get dangerous or advanced...
Poor feather condition could also be related to poor nutrition and lack of stimulation in the environment. Great that you have already ordered her a new cage! Get some soft perching options for her too since she is older and could be slightly arthritic.
Bathing: this will take time. Do not, whatever you do, force it. Take her in the bathroom with you and let her perch somewhere and see you enjoying a shower. Make playing with water really fun (slow - you have to desensitize her to this) and reward her with a favorite food treat for even letting you get her very slightly wet...
You are on the right track with her! You seem sympathetic and caring to what has happened to her and you also seem patient which will go a LONG WAY with a cockatoo.
PM me if you want to talk about anything training related. I am happy to help.
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