Hi Calluna, In order to become your mother's EPOA she would either have to agree to it or be deemed mentally incompetent. In order to have a mental health assessment, she would have to agree or be made an Involuntary Patient which deems that she is a risk to herself. She does not have to cooperate with the mental health assessment, but it is fairly difficult to have a person with no recorded history of mental health problems made an IP - and rightfully so. In order to force your mum to submit to a MHA you would need to have Medical Power of Attorney, but again she must agree or be deemed incompetent. Does your mum have a recognised mental health illness?

I understand why you are concerned, but ultimately it is your mother's money to spend and she can spend it however she pleases. I would suggest that you sit down with your mum and discuss your concerns. Unfortunately, if she is not willing to discuss the issue with you I don't think there is a great deal you can do.

I think it's very kind of you to want to do the right thing by your mum, I hope she will listen to reason!