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After a recent hospitalization for my mother, I went to help her with recuperation. I came to learn that she has more debt that she can handle on her fixed income. As I sort through it, she has just under $25K in unsecured credit card debt. With her fixed income and her mortgage and other expenses there is not enough left for these payments. Here is where I look to all of you for advice. We believe (and the doctors confirm) that she is in the early stages of dementia. Right now, it is more of a forgetfulness, but we also believe that she has been been taken advantage of by some people she has allowed into her life (poor decision-making). She is strong and proud and not ready to deal with much is being said. While my siblings and I can work something out to pay this debt, we are also looking to the very near future and I believe full time care. The expense of this prospect is overwhelming. Should we have her file bankruptcy and save every penny for what is to come or come up with the money to pay off this debt? We are faced with so many emotional challenges right now, I know that I am not thinking too clearly. My main concerns are that my brother is on the title to the house, I'm not sure how bankruptcy would affect that. Also, is her pension and social security protected? Any advice would be appreciated.