Faced with the prospect of mom or dad entering a nursing home, some of the brave will instead choose to become their parent's caregiver. I have compiled this caregiving primer with links to many essential products you may need or that I have found useful while caring for my mom.
Incontinence is something no one really wants to talk about but it is probably the main issue with an elderly parent. I am a big Depend (Depends?) fan and the Depend Super Plus is both comfortable with all cloth-like material, convenient with tearable sides to remove, and absorbent!
Depend Super Absorbent Female Underwear, Large, 16-count Packages (Pack of 4)
(These are links to Amazon but to get free Super Saver shipping, you sometimes must select the seller Amazon.com on the right side of the Amazon page.) Make sure the proper size is chosen, whether purchasing the Men or Women style of protective underwear (i.e. adult diaper), and quantity is sufficient. You are paying extra for the technology--absorbent material and odor control--but I have found that it's worth it.
I line the Depends with a Poise Ultimate absorbency pad.
Poise Pads Ultimate Absorbency, 36-Count Packages (Pack of 4) 
Experiment with different sizes and types of protective underwear and see what works best. A larger size isn't always a better choice as the underwear can leak if they do not hug the body enough.
Our morning routine starts with lining the wastebasket with a suitable plastic liner.
Glad Tall Kitchen Trash Bags, Drawstring White, 13 Gallon, 45-Count Boxes (Pack of 4)
Pre-powered rubber gloves have worked well for me--choose the appropriate size.

Or consider other glove types if you are allergic to rubber.
SafeTouch Nitrile Exam Gloves, Non Latex, Powder Free, Large, Box/100
You may want to pre-cut your Viva Choose-A-Size paper towels. They are soft and absorbent. I precut about 5 sheets.
Viva Big Roll Paper Towels, 88 Sheets per Roll, Choose-a-Size, White, 6 Count (Pack of 4)
Tear sides of Depends and dispose. I have been extremely happy with Convatec Aloe Vesta Perineal/Skin Cleanser spray.
Aloe Vesta 2-n-1 Perineal Skin Cleanser - 8 oz -
(Shipping charge so choose pack of 12 ) Spray and wipe where needed. Line Depend with Poise pad and put on. To prevent or heal diaper rash, Calmoseptine cream has worked great. Use where needed.
Calmoseptine Ointment to Prevent & Heal Skin Irritations 4 oz
(Shipping charge) Dispose of large disposable underpad.
Prevail Fluff Underpad, Large, 18 Underpads (Pack of 4)
I usually put two pads down on the bed, one on top of the other, and fold the top underpad as I work with the cleaning and underwear. The large disposable pads are also great for covering a wheelchair or chair pad or you may want a decorative washable pad.
Priva Waterproof Velour Seat Protector, Blue
Daily clean-up using pre-moistened bath wipes has been quick and convenient.
Convatec Aloe Vesta Bathing Cloths - 8 Ea / Pack
A no-rinse shampoo is handy.
No Rinse Shampoo - 16 fl oz
(Shipping charge) It's also convenient to have baby wipes on hand.
Huggies Natural Care Baby Wipes, Fragrance Free, 72-Count Tubs, 8-Pack (576 Wipes)
Washing of clothes and linens to eliminate odors is quite a task. My method is as follows: select the soak cycle on your washer with 1/2 cup of 20 Mule Team Borax and warm water.
Dial #00368 76OZ 20 Mule Team Borax
Soak for 30 minutes followed up with a spin cycle. Sometimes I also do another rinse and spin. Then wash with a normal cycle using a detergent with enzymes such as Gain and another 1/2 cup of Borax.
Gain Powder Detergent, Original Fresh Scent, Case Pack, Two 120-Load Boxes (240-Loads)
(Shipping charge) Check the label ingredients for the word "enzymes" as manufacturer ingredients do change.
In summary, it has been a long learning curve and I hope this is helpful. Allergies or delicate skin may be a problem so always read the label and test out a product beforehand.