Laurel Crest, run by Cambria County, has not been making enough money to pay its own bills so the county, has forked up the cash for the facility. The home loses about $400,000 to $600,000 a month. This is a hefty amount of money, placing a major burden on the county.

Blair County's Valley View has the same grim financial problems. It is not cutting jobs yet but has asked department heads to cut waste spending.

Just last year, Centre Crest in Centre County had dug itself in a financial hole. At the beginning of this year, it made a financial comeback when it had fewer losses.

Many of the commissioners said they want to find a way to keep the nursing homes even if they just break even.

"Surely we can find some money in the budget and pay a few dollars in taxes. Surely we can pay for those people who have been contributors to society and our community all of their lives," said PJ Steven, Cambria County commissioners.