Mentally Incompetent or irresponsible?!

Mentally Incompetent or irresponsible?

My 83yo mom is living on a fixed income. She is constantly going to the casino and spending money she can't afford to lose. Sometimes, she goes to one of those check cashing places and borrows money to go to the casino. In the last year she has lost her car and her home. She has since gotten both back. I've offered to handle her finances for her but she refuses. She has also begun lying to me about where her money is going and I don't know what to believe anymore. I can't force her to let me help her but I'm also not going to continue bailing her out when she acts so irresponsible. What should I do? Can I have her declared mentally incompetent? Does anyone know how to do that? She is depressed but refuses to acknowledge that either and insists that going to the casino helps her calm down when she feels stressed out.

2 weeks ago
She has also closed checking accounts to keep the check cashing places from being able to cash the checks she gave them. I told her that was illegal and she could go to jail but she insists its okay.

She has a gambling problem and that is also an illness like depression. If she has lost her home and car in the past then this is a serious issue that needs professional help. However, you are correct to say that you cannot keep bailing her out. She is an adult and must accept the consequences of her actions or she will never learn from it. I d on't think you could have her declared mentally incompetent but you do need to get advice. She also needs to learn coping mechanisms and other ways of relaxing when she gets stressed. Perhaps your GP could help? I am sure there must be National Gambling lines or debt lines out there you could try for help with this. I think it's gone too far for you to continue struggling on your own anymore. Good luck x