<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM HEALTH CARE
AND RETIREMENT CORPORATION'S QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED
JUNE 30, 1996, AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-30-1996
<CASH>                                           4,746
<SECURITIES>                                         0
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<INVENTORY>                                          0
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<DEPRECIATION>                                  92,730
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 770,195
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          137,827
<BONDS>                                        174,831
<COMMON>                                           489
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<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   770,195
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<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                14,787
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                 3,020
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
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<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             28,561
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