EXHIBIT 23.1

CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration Statements and amendments thereto

Form S-3 No. 333-52708 Registration for Face-amount Certificate Companies
Form S-8 No 33-21505 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Form S-8 No 333-41671 Non-Employee Director Deferred Compensation Plan
Form S-8 No 333-41669 1997 Long-Term Incentive Plan
Form S-8 No 333-66026 1997 Long-Term Incentive Plan
Form S-8 No 333-41673 Executive Deferred Compensation Plan
Form S-8 No 333-42131 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan
Form S-8 No 333-66108 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan
Form S-8 No 333-54734 Stock Grant Plan
Form S-8 No. 333-101318 Executive Deferred Compensation Plan
Form S-8 No 333-87290 Non-Employee Director Deferred Compensation Plan

of Beverly Enterprises, Inc. of our report dated October 2, 2003, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Beverly Enterprises, Inc. included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K/A, Amendment No. 1) for the year ended December 31, 2002.

 /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Little Rock, Arkansas
October 9, 2003