My 78 year old relative cannot pay off $9000.00 cc debt..could he be helped to file CH.7 bankruptcy?

You should contact his state's department of aging and ask for advice. In matters such as this, each state has unique laws.
Good luck,
Carol

Contact his local Area agency on Aging. In Monroe county, NY, here's the link.
http://www2.monroecounty.gov/aging-index.php

Eyerishlass said that for her father, she simply called the companies and told them the debtor was impoverished and unable to pay. Under no circumstances should you pay any bills directly, because then they will come after you! Also, call from his phone, so they won't get your number.

Credit card debt is unsecured debt, and they will probably just write it off if he can't pay. This might result in tax consequences, but again, just tell the IRS that he has no income and can't pay either debt or taxes.

bankruptcy would be the best idea.Your 78 year old relative is getting Medicaid & food stamps.If he or she is getting cash from the Gov-asst- program with automatic deposit to the bank.The debt collecter can attempt to get it from that account.So,something needs to be done now before that happens.
Contact a bankruptcy attorney.They will point you in the right direction for help if any.bankruptcy isn't free of charge requires money to file and to pay a attorney.
Sounds like your 78 year old relative will need help paying to file bankruptcy.

Debt collectors are limited in what they can take from an account. The expense of bankruptcy may not be worth it in this case. Take Carol's advice and call the department of aging before contacting a lawyer.