A leading player among Whanganui's elderly population is urging people to ensure they have enduring power of attorney (EPA) sorted out before its too late.
Age Concern Whanganui says not having an EPA in place can create major problems later.
An EPA puts in place controls for a persons property, personal care and welfare should that person lose the mental capacity to make decisions for themselves.
Age Concern New Zealand data shows a quarter of New Zealanders in rest homes have no EPA. And the figures are worse for those elderly assessed to receive care at home, with 40 per cent without an EPA in place.
Age Concern Whanganui manager Tracy Lynn said making people aware of the need for an EPA continued to be a work in progress for her organisation.