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                                                                      Exhibit 23


                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements
pertaining to: the 1995 Stock Option Plan as amended, 1996 Directors' Stock
Option Plan, and the Stock Option Agreement entered into, effective January 4,
1995, by and between Surnsie Assisted Living, Inc. and David W. Faeder (Form
S-8, No. 333-05257); Sunrise Assisted Living, Inc. 1996 Non-Incentive Stock
Option Plan (Form S-8, No. 333-21817); 1997 Stock Option Plan (Form S-8, No.
333-26837); the $150 million of 5 1/2% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2002
(Form S-3, No. 333-34365); the 1996 Directors' Stock Option Plan, as Amended
(Form S-8, No. 333-57291); the 1998 Stock Option Plan (Form S-8, No. 333-57293);
the 1999 Stock Option Plan (Form S-8, No. 333-78313); and the Karrington Health,
Inc. 1996 Incentive Stock Plan (Form S-8, No. 333-78543), respectively, of our
report dated March 8, 2000, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements of Sunrise Assisted Living, Inc. included in this Annual Report (Form
10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1999.





                                                    /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

McLean, VA
March 28, 2000