What can you do with medical durable power of attorney? I have medical power of attorney in case my mother becomes incapacitated. The problem is she will not go to the doctor to be diagnosed as such. She’s also been very sick the last three months and refuses medical attention. I’m at my wits end. She won’t even let a caregiver come into the home.
Unless she has a diagnosis of incompetence you can do exactly nothing. See to it that you do not enable her. Give her the number for 911 and check on her morning and evening by phone. If she becomes incompetent to act in her own behalf call the ambulance and ask for ER assist with getting workup, diagnostics and possible placement, which may require conservatorship rather than POA for health care. You can also speak with her doctor regarding your concerns being certain to fax him your POA. Without a diagnosis of incompetence your Mom is in charge.
This is a tough one!
Perhaps contact her local Council on aging and get their recommendations!
Short of letting her have a true medical emergency (which I'm sure you don't want) and calling 911, IMHO even as her medical POA, you can't force her to go to the Doctor.
The "Therapeutic fib" was a great suggestion by Geaton!