Nee Soon MP Carrie Tan forwarded a notion about elderly homeowners renting the spare rooms in their homes to low income families, and that the elderly can help them with caregiving.
She said that this would be beneficial to both sides as this would provide the elderly with social interaction, and help to meet the caregiving needs of low income families and give them a vetter environment.
She added that the amount charged for rental could be subsidised by the government as appropriate rates.
Tan highlighted that there were 67,600 seniors above the age of 65 who lived alone in 2019, and that these homes might be under-utilised with several vacant rooms.
She said that these old people living alone are very likely to be socially isolated and face risk of adverse health outcomes.
She said that this situation is likely to be worsened by the recession brought about by the pandemic.
Hence, she said, her suggestion provides a “simple solution” to these issues.
Image sources: Carrie Tan Facebook, PropertyGuru