The Laurel Crest Rehabilitation & Special Care Center in Pennsylvania has recently cut the jobs of 14 nurses on its staff.  These staff reductions, follow the recent dismissal of 39 other workers at this county-run nursing home. 

Cambria County officials say the home has enough staff to meet the state standards. The home's annual budget is based on an expected census of 274 patients. The home has 264 patients and its previous staffing level was enough for 350 patients.

The home has been cited for various deficiencies in recent years, including a $27,560 fine when a virus similar to the type that hits cruise ships was detected late last year.

This is a disturbing trend in many cash-strapped nursing homes.  The number one indicator of nursing home care is the level of staffing at these facilities.  As nursing homes cut staff, residents will likely feel negative effects in staffing reductions.  Let's see how many fines related to patient care Laurel Crest receives over the next year.

Read more about this Pennsylvania nursing home here.