News item | 5/31/2023 | 6:00 PM
In the coming years, the government will allocate structural funds to encourage cohabitation between young people and the elderly. Minister Helder (Long-term Care and Sport) has today introduced the subsidy scheme for intergenerational living internet consultation brought. With this subsidy, rents for rooms in residential complexes for the elderly can be reduced by €200 per month for young tenants between 18 and 30 years old.
Because such homes are becoming an affordable alternative, it is attractive for young people to opt for this way of living. The aim of the subsidy is to increase cohesion and quality of life in complexes with homes for the elderly. Because young people live among the elderly, they can also help with lighter (care) tasks such as eye drops or groceries.
“The knife cuts both ways here. We are seeing a relatively increasing number of elderly people, fewer healthcare workers to care for them, and a housing shortage and loneliness among young people. With this arrangement we can offer young people affordable housing, and they can always have a chat or visit someone in the complex. For the elderly, it provides more life in the brewery and extra help and support. Young and old can mean so much to each other and learn from each other. Because they live with and next to each other, there is also more understanding for each other.” said Minister Helder.
Contact increases the well-being of the elderly
This scheme builds on existing initiatives such as Het Ouden Huis in Bodegraven, residential care center De Posten in Enschede and residential care center Humanitas in Deventer. Research shows that intergenerational contact, such as having conversations, playing games and eating together, increases the health and well-being of older people. This year, the government will allocate 5.2 million euros for this scheme, doubling that next year, after which the amount will increase to 49 million euros structurally. The scheme is intended for young people between the ages of 18 and 30 who want to make an active contribution to the quality of life and interaction in a residential complex for the elderly. This could include cooking together, helping with small chores around the house or taking a walk with the residents. The young tenant and landlord make agreements about this in the rental contract. In exchange for this, a landlord such as a housing corporation or care organization receives €200 per rented room per month to lower the rent for young people.