My mom lives across the street from me, but started showing signs soon after my father died 7 years ago. The donations to every scammer who calls is one thing, but a little over a month ago she let a man in her house who "persuaded" her to have sex with him. That problem was taken care of by the local police department. I am trying to do everything in my power to keep her safe and not get scammed out of her money. The local authorities ask me if I have POA and I tell them no. They just look at me like I'm the devil. I thought getting POA would be easy, but I was mistaken. I don't know the first thing about what to do. I just found out through this website there is something called Guardianship. Help!
See if her phone has a blocker of some sort. Like she can only receive calls from those put in the phone and visa versa. If not, see if there are any landlines that can do this.
I would say, there were signs when Dad was alive. He just covered it up or didn't realize they were signs. This happens alot, a spouse covering for another. Then family doesn't see it until that spouse passes.
https://www.agingcare.com/articles/planning-guardianship-of-alzheimers-patients-149572.htm
https://www.agingcare.com/articles/how-to-get-guardianship-of-elderly-parents-140693.htm
https://www.agingcare.com/articles/what-are-the-duties-of-a-legal-guardian-for-eldery-parents-134189.htm
https://www.agingcare.com/articles/why-a-letter-of-competency-should-be-part-of-every-seniors-legal-file-441176.htm
https://www.agingcare.com/articles/guardianship-elderly-father-138266.htm
https://socialsecurityintelligence.com/social-security-power-of-attorney/
Also, if you want to assist your Mother with her SS benefits, you have two options:
A) Obtain a court appointment as the Social Security beneficiary’s guardian.
B) Apply to the SSA to become the representative payee for the SS benefits.
This website has lots of articles about POAs and guardianship and there are several postings/questions in the "FORUM" about POAs and guardianship that you might find helpful. Also, go to the "Judicial" website of the state that your Mother and you live in and look at the rules and requirements for POA and Guardianship in your state. Most Important is that you talk to and hire an ELDER LAW Attorney ASAP who can assist you through this legal "minefield".