My name is Tanya Woodard. I am currently the Administrator at Chestnut Grove ALF in Dryden Va. I am addressing the issue of the auxiliary grant rate in Virginia. 

Our facility is in a rural are of Virginia, most of our residents get the auxiliary grant. 

The rate as of right now is $1562.00 per month with the resident receiving $82.00 personal allowance per month. 

According to calculations it would take an increase of $187.67 more per month for our facility to just break even with the cost of monthly expenses of the facility. In January 2022 when minimum wage goes up, it will go even higher. 

For nursing homes in our area, the care is $6600.00 per month or $220.00 per day while the grant pays $52.00 per day for assisted living. 

With the rising cost of living and rising cost of minimum wage, this will cause facilities to close their doors and leave the need greatly for assisted living--as with all these increase it will be impossible to continue to operate and provide this service that is needed.

All we are asking for is an increase in the auxiliary grant so we can continue to provide a loving home for our residents. This is a much  - needed service. We need the auxiliary grant to at least match the cost of living and the minimum wage increase. 

Your attention and any help you can give us concerning this matter will be greatly appreciated.

Tanya Woodard