Hello @dlspires,

Welcome to Mayo Connect. I appreciate you sharing about your mother's hospice experience. You have shared some important observations about end-of-life needs. I agree that a Health Care Power of Attorney is very important. There will come a time when many of us will not be able to make medical decisions for ourselves, and we will require assistance to carry out our wishes. So, it is important to name someone we can trust to help us with those decisions.

I like that you described yourself as a "gatekeeper" for your mom when she was in hospice. Often, people are uncomfortable with this transition, and setting boundaries with family and friends is essential to maintaining peace and quiet.

How long ago did your mom pass away?