How to start policing mom's finances
I have access to my moms bank accounts and two credit cards (I am her financial and health care POA). She (in her 80s) has mild dementia but has exhibited concerning behavior, aka getting scammed (phone calls, email, texts). I have access to her email so have been able to shut a lot of that down, and I implemented some unknown call/text blocking strategies on her phone which has helped a little.
The most recent concern is that she's currently spending more money than normal on things she wouldn't normally buy. My brother and I do not want her money, nor are we counting on an inheritance. We'd just like to be able to allow her to enjoy her life without running out of money. At what time do I need to try to get more control of her finances? Do I need an attorney? She's quite stubborn and won't see a neurologist, even though her doctor recommended it. I'm researching the steps now to figure out how best to do this without upsetting her because she likes her independence).