re: REITs as inflation hedge/bond alternative?

I’ve got a couple of REIT ETFs.

VNQ.

I also have some Vanguard Real Estate Mutual Fund.

I’ve also established a position in preferred stocks with PFF and another ETF that the symbol is PGX.

CDs are paying nothing.
I manage my mom’s account so she needs conservation of principal, but I’ve dabbled in these REITs and preferred for her account as well. She still is over 60% equities in her late 70s.

My grandfather just rolled CDs at 10% for his retirement.
Now you can’t get 1% for a one year CD unless you get a special.