EXHIBIT 23
 
                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
  We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement
(Form S-8 No. 333-16543) pertaining to the Atria Communities, Inc. 1996 Stock
Ownership Incentive Plan, in the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-
16545) pertaining to the Atria Communities, Inc. Nonemployee Directors 1996
Stock Incentive Plan, and in the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-
34093) pertaining to the Atria Communities, Inc. Vencor Employees' Stock
Option Agreements, of our report dated February 11, 1998 with respect to the
consolidated financial statements of Atria Communities, Inc. included in the
Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1997.
 
                                                          /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
 
Louisville, Kentucky
March 25, 1998