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The will. If there isn't one and your parent is still competent, have one drawn up.

Durable power of attorney for finances. This is a simple way to arrange for someone to make financial decisions for your mom should she become unable to do so herself.

Advance Directives. The two basic types of advance directives are Living Wills & Medical Powers of Attorney. These documents let your mom give instructions about the medical care she wants to receive in the event that she becomes unable to speak for herself due to serious illness or incapacity.

• A living will provides specific instructions.
• A medical power of attorney names a person to make decisions on your behalf.

Links to other sites with information on this topic:

Advance Directives
OHSU's Center for Ethics in Health Care discusses the various aspects of Advance Directives.

Healthcare Directives and Powers of Attorney, published by Nolo Press, presents information about Living Wills and Medical Powers of Attorney.

Partnership for Caring, a nonprofit organization, provides state-specific advance directive forms on-line or by mail.

Advance Care Planning: Guidance for Proxies, from the American Medical Association.

Advance Directives: Living Wills and Health Care Powers of Attorney, from The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.