UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 8-K Current Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of Report: October 22, 1996 THE MULTICARE COMPANIES, INC. (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) Commission File No. 34-22090 Delaware 22-3152527 State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification Number) 411 Hackensack Avenue Hackensack, New Jersey 07601 (Address of principal Zip Code executive offices) Registrant's telephone number, including area code (201) 488-8818 Item 5. Other Events Third Quarter Results On October 17, 1996, the Company announced in a press release its 1996 third quarter earnings. A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99 and is incorporated herein by reference. Item 7. Financial Statements and Exhibits (c) Exhibits Exhibit 99 Press Release dated October 17, 1996. Signature Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. The Multicare Companies, Inc. Bradford C. Burkett _____________________________ Bradford C. Burkett Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary October 22, 1996