No one wants to imagine being mentally or physically unable to make health care and financial decisions independently. And many people assume that, even if it did come to pass, an informal caregiving arrangement would be enough to manage the situation.

But in most cases you need more than that. Attorney Frederick M. Misilo Jr., an elder law specialist, recommends you use these 4 documents to plan ahead--and make a dramatic difference for you, for your loved one and for the whole family.