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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.3
 
                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
   
     We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and to
the use of our report dated February 7, 1997, with respect to the financial
statements of Arbor Health Care Company included in the Amendment No. 3 to the
Registration Statement (Form S-4 No. 333-43549) and related Prospectus of
Extendicare Health Services, Inc. for the registration of $200,000,000 of its
9.35% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007.
    
 
                                                               ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
Toledo, Ohio
   
April 21, 1998