I REFER to the letter, "Children must take care of old parents" (my paper, Feb 20), by Mr Sebastian Tan.

I totally agree that children should take care of their ageing parents and not send them to old folk's homes.

Singaporeans' values have changed over the years and young people choose to send their parents to a home if they have the option to do so.

However, it is not a cheap option. Fees at these homes are about $1,500 to $2,500 a month in Singapore and about $600 to $1,000 a month in Johor Baru.

Some who are earning an above-average salary might think placing their parents in a home saves them the time needed to look after them.

Lower-income people who struggle to take care of their aged parents should not be forgotten.

I know people who willingly remain single so that they would have sufficient time and resources to take care of their old parents.

Could the Government consider extending some help to this group of people by subsidising their utilities bills?

Ms Christina Tan

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