Caring for an elderly parent is not an easy job, you may be the only person who is willing to be the caregiver. There are things you need to know and things to have on hand. You must have the persons Medicare number, and know what medical insurance they have. Their Doctor's names, all medication they are currently taking, location of important papers, will, birth certificate, deeds to property, and if they have a safe deposit box is also important to know. You will also need to know the source of their income, their bank account, and if they have any investments.
 
It is a well known fact that senior's do much better in their own home with all their own things than being in a nursing home. If it is not possible to keep your parent in their own home and they can come and live with you, that too is better than a nursing home. They need to have their own room and preferably their own bathroom. If they have trouble getting around and use a walker, make sure the furniture is not in their way. Do the best you can to keep them safe.

It is also good to let them have some of their own things in their room to make them more comfortable, pictures, etc, and maybe even their favorite chair.

There is a lot of work in taking care of a elderly parent, fixing their meals, driving them to doctor's appointments, making sure they take the right dosage of medication at the right time, and they may need assistance in going to the bathroom. It can become a full time job for the caregiver, so you have to learn to have a lot of patience.