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

<Table>
                                  
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.                333-101     Executive Deferred Compensation Plan
Form S-8 No               333-87290     Non-Employee Director Deferred Compensation Plan
</Table>

of Beverly Enterprises, Inc. of our report dated February 19, 2003, with respect
to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Beverly Enterprises,
Inc. included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31,
2002.

                                                       /s/  ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Little Rock, Arkansas
March 26, 2003