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                               UNITED STATES
                     SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                           Washington, D.C. 20549

                                 FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
[x]  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
     ACT OF 1934 [FEE REQUIRED]

            For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997

                                     OR

[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
    EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [NO FEE REQUIRED]

            For the transition period from ______ to ______.

                       Commission file number 0-28656

                         KARRINGTON HEALTH, INC.
         (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

            OHIO                                      31-1461482
(State or other jurisdiction of                      (IRS Employer
 incorporation or organization)                    Identification No.)

                         919 OLD HENDERSON ROAD
                           COLUMBUS, OH  43220
                             (614) 451-5151
            (Address, including zip code, and telephone number,
     including area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)

        Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
                                  None

        Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
                       Common Stock, no par value

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports 
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 
during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the 
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to 
such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  YES [X]  NO [ ].

     Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to 
Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be 
contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or 
information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 
10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K: [X]

Shares of registrant's common shares, without par value, outstanding at March 
13,1998 was 6,837,363.  As of March 13, 1998, the aggregate market value of 
the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $45,887,000.

                    Documents Incorporated By Reference

The information required by Part I, Item 2 and Part II, Items 5(a), 6, 7 and 
8, of Form 10K is incorporated herein by reference to the registrant's Annual 
Report to Shareholders for the year ended December 31, 1997.  The information 
required by Part III of Form 10K is incorporated herein by reference to the 
registrant's definitive Proxy Statement relating to its 1998 Annual Meeting 
of Stockholders to be held on May 12, 1998.

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                                       1


                                    PART I

ITEM 1.   BUSINESS

     The Company develops, owns and operates licensed assisted living 
residences. Assisted living residences provide housing and care for elderly 
or frail individuals who, although generally ambulatory, need assistance with 
one or more activities of daily living, such as bathing, grooming, dressing, 
eating or personal hygiene.

     In 1990, Richard R. Slager, the Company's Chief Executive Officer, and 
the Company's former Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, 
formed DevelopMed Associates, Inc., an Ohio corporation ("DMA"), for the 
purpose of developing an assisted living residence business. In 1991, DMA 
entered into a strategic alliance with JMAC, Inc. ("JMAC"), an investment 
company owned by John H. McConnell and John P. McConnell, the founder and the 
Chairman, respectively, of Worthington Industries, Inc., pursuant to which 
alliance DMA and JMAC Properties, Inc., an Ohio corporation ("JMAC 
Properties"), which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of JMAC, formed the 
Company's predecessor, Karrington Operating Company, an Ohio general 
partnership ("Karrington Operating"). Prior to the consummation of the 
reorganization transactions (as described below), JMAC Properties owned a 
two-thirds equity interest in Karrington Operating, and DMA owned a one-third 
equity interest.

     Immediately prior to the Company's initial public offering in July 1996, 
JMAC transferred to the Company all of its shares of JMAC Properties in 
exchange for two-thirds of the pre-offering outstanding common shares of the 
Company and the shareholders of DMA transferred all of their shares of DMA to 
the Company in exchange for one-third of the pre-offering outstanding common 
shares of the Company.

     As of March 23, 1998, the Company has developed 46 residences in its 
target markets, 32 of which are open and 14 of which are under construction 
and scheduled to open in 1998. These 46 residences are located in Ohio, 
Pennsylvania, Illinois, Minnesota, North Dakota, Iowa, Indiana, Colorado, 
North Carolina, Michigan and New Mexico. As part of its nationwide expansion 
strategy, the Company has sites for an additional 20 residences under 
contract in these states, as well as in Alabama, Mississippi, Texas, 
Nebraska, Washington, California and Tennessee. 

     Recognizing that not all seniors share the same acuity at various income 
levels, Karrington has created three standard models of residence, an 
evolution of the Company's original prototype mansion-style residence.  While 
standardization to the three models will enable the Company to get its 
product to market faster, Karrington's commitment to its residents remains 
intact.

     Along with creating three standard models, the Company has branded, or 
named, its residential products to help build Karrington's national identity. 
Karrington's original mansion-style residence, now known as K1 or the 
Karrington model, was upgraded and enhanced in 1997.  Located in established 
upper-income communities, the K1 is a 72-unit model that replaces the 
original 53-unit prototype.

     Karrington Place, or K2, is the Company's one-story, small-town solution 
to high-quality assisted living.  Karrington Place offers residents of 
smaller and rural communities access to the skilled and caring professionals, 
unique products and services, and dignified environments that enable 
Karrington residents to age-in-place gracefully.

     The Company's third residential model is the outgrowth of Karrington's 
May 1997 acquisition of Kensington Management Group, Inc. of Golden Valley, 
Minnesota.  Operating innovative Alzheimer's care communities, now known as 
Karrington Cottages or KC, the Company provides residential Alzheimer's care 
and other programs under the medical direction of geriatric and dementia 
specialists.

     The early 1998 completion of a nine-Cottage campus in Rochester, 
Minnesota will further Karrington's relationship with geriatric physicians of 
the world-famous Mayo Clinic.  The Company expects to develop future 
Karrington Cottages in conjunction with other regional health care systems 
throughout the Midwest.

     With the addition of Karrington Cottages to the Company's product mix, 
management plans to broaden the way high-acuity care and assisted living in 
general are viewed by the health care industry and the public.  Residential 
care for persons with Alzheimer's Disease and other forms of dementia will 
continue to be the focus of Karrington Cottages.  In addition, some


                                       2


residential Cottages on each campus will be devoted to other physical and 
cognitive conditions, based on the needs or specialties of the regional 
health care providers associated with Karrington.

     Karrington residences typically are staffed with licensed nurses on a 
24-hour basis and are designed to permit residents to "age in place" within 
the residence as they develop further physical or cognitive frailties. The 
Company believes that it is able to care for individuals with higher acuity 
levels (i.e., those needing greater assistance with activities of daily 
living) than is typical in the assisted living industry. 

     In addition to its own development activities, the Company has entered 
into joint development relationships with health care providers, including 
Sisters of Charity Health Care Systems, Inc. ("SCHCS"), a not-for-profit 
corporation of which the sole member is Catholic Health Initiatives ("CHI").  
CHI is a large, not-for-profit health organization formed by the recent 
consolidation of Catholic Health Corporation, SCHCS and Franciscan Health 
Systems. CHI operates 67 hospitals and 48 long-term care facilities in 22 
states and has revenues of $4.7 billion. The Company and CHI currently intend 
to develop and operate assisted living residences with CHI's health care 
system. See "Relationship with CHI."

THE ASSISTED LIVING INDUSTRY

     The assisted living industry has developed over the past decade to 
provide a cost-effective residential alternative for elderly individuals who 
do not require the intensive medical attention provided by a skilled nursing 
facility but who cannot, or choose not to, live independently due to physical 
frailty or cognitive disorders. It is estimated that the assisted living 
industry has annual revenues of $15 billion. Assisted living represents a 
combination of housing and 24-hour a day personal support services designed 
to aid elderly residents with activities of daily living, such as bathing, 
grooming, dressing, eating and personal hygiene. Assisted living residences 
provide assistance to residents with limited medical needs and may provide 
higher levels of personal assistance for special need residents, such as 
incontinent residents or residents with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of 
cognitive disorders. 

     The assisted living industry is fragmented and, to date, is 
characterized by many small operators. The scope of assisted living services 
varies substantially among operators, ranging from basic "board and care" 
services to full service assisted living residences such as those operated by 
the Company. Many smaller assisted living providers do not operate in 
residences designed specifically for assisted living, do not have 
professionally trained staffs and may provide only limited assistance with 
low-level care activities. The Company believes there are few assisted living 
operators in its markets who provide the same comprehensive range of assisted 
living services, such as Alzheimer's care and other special care programs, as 
the Company. 

     The Company believes that the following factors should continue to 
positively affect the assisted living industry: 

CONSUMER PREFERENCES.  The Company believes assisted living is increasingly 
the alternative preferred by prospective residents and their families in 
providing care for the frail elderly. Assisted living residents have greater 
independence, and assisted living services allow them to "age in place" in a 
residential setting. The Company believes these factors result in a higher 
quality of life than that experienced in the more institutional or clinical 
settings, such as skilled nursing facilities. 

POSITIVE DEMOGRAPHIC CHANGES.  According to the U.S. Bureau of Census, the 
number of individuals in the United States 85 years and older is expected to 
increase by approximately 43% during the 1990s, from 3.0 million in 1990 to 
an estimated 4.3 million in 2000, as compared to total U.S. population growth 
of approximately 11% during the same period. It is further estimated that 
approximately 57% of the population of seniors over age 85 currently need 
assistance with activities of daily living and that more than one-half of 
seniors are likely to develop Alzheimer's disease or other cognitive 
disorders by age 85. 

ASSISTED LIVING DEMAND EXCEEDS SUPPLY.  The supply of long-term care beds per 
1,000 individuals 85 years of age and older declined from 686 beds per 
thousand to 604 beds per thousand between 1980 and 1991, according to the 
U.S. Bureau of Census, and the Company expects this trend to continue. The 
Company believes this decline is attributable to several factors. The 
majority of states in the United States have adopted certificate of need 
("CON") or similar statutes which generally require that, prior to the 
addition of new beds, the addition of new services or the making of certain 
capital expenditures, a state agency must determine that a need exists for 
the new beds or the proposed activities. The Company believes that this CON 
process tends to restrict the supply and availability of licensed nursing 
facility beds. High construction costs, limitations on government 
reimbursement for the full costs of construction and start-up expenses also 
act to constrain growth in the supply of such facilities and beds. At the 
same time, nursing facility operators are focusing on patients requiring 
higher levels of nursing care


                                       3


which results in fewer nursing beds being available to patients with lower 
acuity levels. 

COST ADVANTAGES.  The Company believes that the assisted living industry can 
provide comparable services for significantly less than the cost of such 
services to private pay residents in nursing facilities. The Company's market 
research indicates that the Company provides services at a cost of 25% to 35% 
less than the cost of comparable services provided by private intermediate 
care nursing facilities in the same market. 

CHANGES IN FAMILY COMPOSITION.  As a result of the increasing number of 
two-income families, the high divorce rate and the number of single-parent 
households, as well as the increasing geographic dispersion of families, many 
adult children are not available to care in their own homes for elderly 
parents. Two-income families are, however, often better able to provide 
financial support for elderly parents. 

COST CONTAINMENT PRESSURES.  Responding to rising health care costs, 
governmental and private pay or sources have adopted cost containment 
measures that have encouraged reduced lengths of stay in hospitals. A result 
of this trend is an increase in the number of individuals receiving nursing 
facility care as compared to hospitalization. That, in turn, causes nursing 
facility operators to focus on improving occupancy and increasing services to 
residents requiring high levels of nursing care. As the level of care for 
nursing facility residents rises and the supply of nursing facility space is 
filled by residents having more acute needs, the Company believes that there 
will be greater demand for assisted living residences to provide for 
residents requiring less nursing care than generally will be provided to 
residents in nursing facilities. 

STRATEGY

     The principal components of the Company's strategy are to: 

DEVELOP KARRINGTON MODEL RESIDENCES IN CURRENTLY-SERVED AND NEW COMMUNITIES. 
The Company's plans call for rapid development of the Karrington models in 
the communities it currently serves, as well as expansion into additional 
communities. The Company targets middle-to upper-income metropolitan markets 
which have well-established populations of persons 75 years of age and older. 
This development activity, in conjunction with the Company's relationship 
with CHI, is intended to result in regional concentrations of assisted living 
residences. The Company's ultimate objective is to develop a nationwide 
network of assisted living residences which will be utilized by managed care 
companies. 

EXPAND JOINT DEVELOPMENT RELATIONSHIPS WITH MAJOR HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS ACROSS 
THE UNITED STATES.  The Company believes that it will continue to benefit 
from its relationship with major health care systems, including CHI, pursuant 
to which the Company expects to develop and operate, and jointly own assisted 
living residences in communities where these providers or their affiliates 
have a major presence as a health care provider. In addition, the Company 
believes its relationship with CHI provides a significant source of referrals 
and the opportunity to leverage the Company's expertise by developing similar 
relationships with other large, primarily not-for-profit, health care systems 
throughout the country. 

CONTINUE ITS FOCUS ON PROVIDING A BROAD RANGE OF SERVICES TO HIGHER-ACUITY 
RESIDENTS.  The Company believes it provides a higher acuity level of care to 
its residents than is typically available at assisted living facilities, 
including care for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other cognitive 
disorders. The Company is able to provide these services by building its 
residences to higher standards and specifications, hiring licensed 
professionals, providing advanced training to its staff and complying with 
relevant regulations. In addition to providing care to residents with more 
complex medical conditions, the Company seeks to offer a broad range of 
services to meet the varied needs of all of its residents. In the future, 
these services are expected to include physical, occupational, speech and 
other rehabilitation therapy programs and other resident services. By 
providing a higher level of care and a broader spectrum of services, the 
Company is able to allow its residents to "age in place." The Company also is 
able to provide these services at rates which are substantially less than the 
cost of similar services provided by nursing care facilities. 

RELATIONSHIP WITH CHI

     In addition to its own residence development activities, the Company and 
Catholic Health Initiatives have entered into five joint venture agreements 
to develop, own and operate six assisted living residences, all of which are 
open at the end of 1997.  The genesis of the CHI relationship was the joint 
development by the Company and SCHCS of Karrington of Oakwood, a 53-unit 
assisted living residence located in the Dayton, Ohio area which opened in 
November 1994.  Following the success of the Karrington of Oakwood residence, 
the Company and CHI determined to expand their relationship and in 1995, 
entered into


                                       4


a letter of intent relating to the joint development of six additional 
projects over a three-year period. The first of the six projects consists of 
a 61-unit assisted living residence and an adjacent 28-unit Alzheimer's and 
cognitive disorder residence located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which opened 
in October 1996. Three additional residences located in Cincinnati and 
Dayton, Ohio and Colorado Springs, Colorado opened in 1997.

     Each project is owned jointly by the Company and CHI, with CHI typically 
owning approximately 80% of the equity of the project. Construction and 
permanent debt financing generally is arranged by CHI on behalf of the 
venture and is non-recourse to the Company. The Company provides all 
development and management services with respect to each residence under a 
standard agreement that generally provides for a development fee of $250,000 
and a management fee of 5% of revenues. 

SERVICES AND OPERATIONS

SERVICES PROVIDED

     Seventy-five percent of Karrington residents are females and the average 
age of all residents is 83. Most Karrington residents have some disability 
associated with aging, such as dementia, Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, 
nutritional problems, incontinence, strokes or other disorders, and need 
assistance with two or more activities of daily living. Residents needs 
generally fall into one or more of the following categories: (i) requiring 
physical support or assistance with activities of daily living; (ii) 
requiring assistance, reminders and cuing due to some cognitive impairment; 
and (iii) requiring socialization and interaction with others. 

     Residents generally pay a daily suite rental rate under a resident 
agreement which is renewable annually and cancelable with 30 days notice. The 
daily suite rental rate ranges from $34 to $137 per day, depending on unit 
size, location, number of occupants and level of care required. Approximately 
70% of Karrington's residents live in private suites. While the Company's 
average basic daily suite rental rate is approximately $85, the wide range of 
rates offered by the Company allows the Company to accommodate persons of 
varying financial resources. Medication administration and various levels of 
extended care services, which depend on the degree of frailty, add to the 
basic care rate. Additional charges may be incurred for other services such 
as hair care and special diets. Currently, approximately 93% of all resident 
revenues are from private pay sources. 

     The Company's basic care program is provided to all residents at no 
additional cost and includes: assistance with daily living, such as eating, 
bathing, grooming, dressing and personal hygiene; three meals per day served 
in a common dining room; 24-hour security; emergency call systems in each 
unit and living area; transportation to offices, stores and community 
services; assistance with arranging outside services such as physician care, 
various therapy programs and other medical services; personal laundry 
services; housekeeping services; and social and recreational activities. 

     In addition to the basic care program, residents may be included in the 
extended care program, which assists residents who require more frequent or 
more intensive assistance or care. Prior to entering a Karrington residence, 
and periodically during their stay, individuals' needs are assessed to 
determine the level of extended care services required, and an individual 
care plan is designed. The Company's experience is that approximately 90% of 
its residents require some extended care services or require medication 
administration. 

     The Company's Alzheimer's and other cognitive disorder programs are 
provided in each prototype residence on a designated "special care" floor or 
wing. The Company also develops residences designed specifically for 
Alzheimer's disease care. Trained staff provide special care programs for 
cognitively impaired residents, and each is charged additional daily fees for 
this added support. Programs include added assistance, stimulation, special 
activities, intervention and therapeutic programs that are developed and 
supported by physicians specializing in dementia care that consult with the 
Company. 

STAFFING

     Each residence has an Administrator and a seven-person management team. 
This management team includes the Resident Care Director (who supervises all 
resident support staff and care plans), a Registered Nurse/Wellness Director 
(responsible for all wellness programs, as well as medication programs), the 
Director of Administration (responsible for general administrative duties) 
and the Marketing Director.  The Activities Director, Chef and Environmental 
Services Director complete the management team.  Residence management teams 
report to a Regional Director responsible for the operation of several 
residences. Regional directors provide support, oversight and mentoring to 
each residence's staff. 


                                       5


     Staffing models are used to determine appropriate personnel levels. 
Screening is used to help select staff with "care providing" characteristics. 
For each residence, services are typically provided by a staff of 
approximately 28 full-time equivalents. The largest staff component is 
"Resident Assistants," who include licensed practical nurses and other 
trained staff members who are responsible for administering services to 
residents. 

     The Company maintains competitive compensation programs, including 
incentives and quarterly profit sharing, which it believes help attract and 
retain excellent employees. The Company believes that the combination of 
proper interviewing, selection methods and review, training and appropriate 
incentives significantly reduces hiring and retraining costs and allows for a 
more stable, long-term work force. All employees participate in a recruitment 
and development program called the Predictive Index-Registered Trademark-, a 
third-party program which is focused on determining key criteria and personal 
attributes which the Company believes are important to the proper placement 
of staff and management. 

TRAINING AND QUALITY ASSURANCE

     The Company provides its personnel with an extensive and innovative 
training program. This training covers all aspects of Karrington's operation. 
At the end of a 90-day probationary period, each new employee is evaluated 
for permanent placement. Additionally, the Company has an extensive 
administrator-in-training ("AIT") program which provides classroom and 
on-the-job training to develop future Karrington administrators.  The Company 
believes investment in the AIT program is vital to its continued growth, 
quality control and consistency of service delivery. 

     The Company has structured a comprehensive quality assurance ("QA") 
program intended to maintain standards of care established for each 
residence. Under the Company's QA program, the care and services provided at 
each residence are monitored by the professional services staff which reports 
directly to the Company's senior management. The QA team works with residence 
management teams to assure that all staff members are trained, that clinical 
policies and procedures are followed, and that all state and federal 
standards are met while achieving the stringent requirements of the Company. 
The Company's QA program helps support compliance with federal and state 
regulations and requirements for licensing. Karrington has also developed a 
Quality of Service program which includes periodic surveys and follow-up with 
all current and former residents and responsible parties. 

DEVELOPMENT

     The Company's development personnel research and identify potential 
markets, primarily in major metropolitan areas and their surrounding suburban 
communities, and select sites for development within such markets. In 
evaluating a market, the Company considers a number of factors, including 
population, income and age demographics, traffic count, site visibility, 
residential and commercial characteristics, probability of obtaining zoning 
approvals, proximity of various competitors, estimated market demand and the 
potential to achieve economies of scale in a specific market by concentration 
of its development and operating activities. 

     The principal stages in the development process are (i) strategic market 
selection and assessment (ii) site selection and contract signing, (iii) 
zoning and site plan approval, (iv) architectural planning and design, (v) 
contractor selection and (vi) construction and licensure. Once a market has 
been identified, site selection and contract signing typically take three 
months. Zoning and site plan approval generally take three to nine months and 
are typically the most difficult step in the development process as a result 
of the Company's selection of sites in established communities which 
frequently require site rezoning. Architectural planning and design and 
contractor selection often occur during the zoning process but can prolong 
the start of construction. Residence construction generally takes 12 months. 
After a residence receives a certificate of occupancy and appropriate 
licenses, residents usually begin to move in immediately. The Company's 
experience indicates that new residences typically reach a stable level of 
occupancy of over 90% within 12 months, but there can be no assurance that 
these results will be achieved in new markets. The Company estimates that 
total capitalized cost to develop, construct and open a K1 or K2 Karrington 
model residence, including land acquisition and construction costs, ranges 
from approximately $5.0 million to $11.0 million, an average cost per unit of 
approximately $110,000. The cost of any particular residence may vary 
considerably based on a variety of site-specific factors. 

     The Company's development activities are coordinated by its 18-person 
development staff, which has extensive real estate acquisition, design, 
engineering, zoning, general construction and project management experience. 
Architectural design and hands-on construction functions are usually 
contracted to experienced outside architects and contractors. 


                                       6


     The Company's construction strategies include the development of 
national purchasing contracts for major building components and the retention 
of several regional contractors engaged to construct its residences. The 
Company believes these approaches will help reduce construction costs or 
mitigate the rate of cost increases due to inflation, increase product 
quality, and shorten construction periods that result from increased 
familiarity with the architectural, engineering and construction design of 
the Company's prototype residences. 

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNS

     The K1 or Karrington model residence is a freestanding, mansion-style 
building with a designed capacity of 75 to 85 residents in any of a variety 
of exterior styles. The K1 prototype averages 72 units and approximately 
50,000 square feet and is generally built on a 2.5 to 4 acre site.  The K2 or 
Karrington Place model residence averages 48 units with a designed capacity 
of 61 residences.  The KC or Karrington Cottage prototype model is 20 units 
with 36 beds.  Approximately 45-50% of the buildings are devoted to common 
areas and amenities. The Company's three basic building plan designs provide 
it with flexibility in adapting the model to a particular site and local 
zoning requirements. The building is usually two or three stories of concrete 
and steel frame construction built to institutional health care standards but 
residential in appearance. The interior design promotes a home-like 
environment while permitting the effective provision of resident care 
programs and promoting resident independence. 

     The individual resident suites are clustered on each floor to resemble a 
neighborhood, with a variety of suite floor plans of one or two rooms and 
varying square footage. Each floor has a quiet area resembling a library or 
den and an active area designed to support activity programs and interaction 
among residents, staff and families. The main floor usually includes the main 
dining room, private dining rooms, administrative offices, a library, a 
living or family room, an ice cream parlor and a year-round sun porch. Also 
included are public restrooms, outside porches, a foyer and a formal entryway 
with grand staircase and central elevator. On other floors in each residence 
are located a resident laundry room, a wellness center, a bathing spa area, 
employee break rooms, a beauty salon and activity areas. The special care 
floor also includes a separate resident kitchen and dining area. 

     Recently, the Company opened its third stand-alone Alzheimer's care 
residence in Columbus, Ohio designed specifically for residents with 
Alzheimer's disease. The Karrington Cottage or KC model residences are 
constructed using a special design concept intended to provide the atmosphere 
and physical environment believed by the Company to be most effective in 
assisting residents in the later stages of Alzheimer's disease. The Company 
intends to develop additional KC models in many of the markets it enters. 

     The architectural and interior design of the Karrington prototypes 
incorporate Karrington's philosophy of dedication to excellence in preserving 
and enhancing personal dignity, independence, individuality and quality of 
life. The Company believes that its residential environments accomplish other 
objectives as well, including: (i) lowering the stress and disruption of the 
resident and their family that occurs because of a move; (ii) providing a 
secure environment that is easily traveled by residents with a wide variety 
of ambulation disabilities; (iii) making available a comfortable home-like 
environment that welcomes visitation by family and friends; and (iv) 
supporting the Company's special activities programs that promote 
inter-generational activities and events to bring together elderly residents 
with younger persons in the community. 

MARKETING

     The Company's marketing approach emphasizes consumer education and 
awareness directed to potential residents and family members. The adult 
children of residents tend to be significant decision-makers in the selection 
of the assisted living option. Other significant referral sources include 
hospital discharge planners, physicians, churches, social service agencies 
focused on the elderly, nursing facilities in the area, home health agencies, 
social workers, legal advisors, other health care providers and families of 
existing residents. Telephone directory advertising, media products and 
informal "networking" are directed by the Company toward educating 
decision-makers and other referral sources in a community. The marketing 
personnel in the Company's corporate office develop the overall strategy in 
each market as well as media materials, databases, direct mail, signage and 
community outreach activities. Each residence has a marketing director 
responsible for generating and following-up leads, coordinating referral 
activities and providing tours, counseling and caregiving advice for 
potential residents and their families with respect to the Company's 
residences and services. 


                                       7


     Marketing activities begin during the development stage of a residence, 
after the Company has obtained site control, and continue with increased 
emphasis when an information center opens for a specific residence 
approximately six to nine months prior to opening. 

REGULATION

     The Company's assisted living residences are subject to regulation and 
licensing by state and local health and social service agencies and other 
regulatory authorities, which requirements vary from state to state. These 
requirements address, among other things: personnel education, training and 
records; facility services, including administration of medication and 
limited nursing services; physical plant specifications; furnishing of 
residents' units; food and housekeeping services; emergency evacuation plans; 
and residents' rights and responsibilities. In several states in which the 
Company operates or intends to operate, assisted living residences also 
require a certificate of need before the residences can be opened. In most 
states, assisted living residences are subject to state or local fire and 
building codes and food service licensure requirements. Like other health 
care residences, assisted living residences are subject to periodic survey or 
inspection by governmental authorities. From time to time in the ordinary 
course of business, the Company receives survey reports. The Company reviews 
such reports and takes appropriate corrective action if deficiencies are 
noted.  Inspection deficiencies are resolved through a plan of correction, 
although the reviewing agency typically is authorized to take action against 
a licensed facility where deficiencies are noted in the survey process. Such 
action may include imposition of fines, imposition of a provisional or 
conditional license or suspension or revocation of a license or other 
sanctions. 

     Health care is an area of extensive and frequent regulatory change. The 
assisted living model for long-term care is relatively new, and, accordingly, 
the manner and extent to which it is regulated at the federal and state 
levels is evolving. Changes in the laws or new interpretations of existing 
laws may have a significant effect on methods and costs of doing business. 
The Company is actively involved in monitoring regulatory and legislative 
changes affecting the assisted living industry and participates with industry 
organizations to encourage improvements to existing laws and regulations. 

     The success of the Company will depend in part upon its ability to 
satisfy applicable regulations and requirements and to procure and maintain 
required licenses as the regulatory environment for assisted living evolves. 
The Company's operations could also be adversely affected by, among other 
things, future regulatory developments such as mandatory increases in the 
scope and quality of care to be offered to residents and revisions to 
licensing and certification standards. 

     The Company currently is not a Medicare provider. Under some state 
licensure laws, and for the convenience of its residents, some of the 
Company's assisted living residences maintain contracts with certain health 
care providers and practitioners, including pharmacies, visiting nurses, 
social service and home health organizations, through which health care 
providers make their health care products or services available to residents. 
Some of the services furnished by these contract parties may be covered by 
the Medicare programs. 

COMPETITION

     The long-term care industry is highly competitive. The Company believes 
the assisted living sector of long-term care, in which it operates, will 
become even more competitive in the future. The Company competes with 
numerous other companies providing similar long-term care alternatives such 
as home health care agencies, community-based service programs, retirement 
communities and convalescent centers, and other assisted living providers. 
The Company expects that, as the providers of assisted living services 
receive increased attention and the number of states providing reimbursement 
for assisted living rises, competition will intensify as a result of new 
market entrants. The Company also competes with skilled nursing facilities 
that provide long-term care services. In implementing its growth strategy the 
Company expects increased competition in its efforts to develop, construct 
and operate assisted living communities. Some of the Company's present and 
potential competitors are significantly larger and have, or may obtain, 
greater financial resources than those of the Company. 

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION

     The Company is the registered owner of the service mark "Karrington 
Communities-Registered Trademark-." The Company believes this mark is of 
material importance to its business. 


                                       8


EMPLOYEES

     As of March 13, 1998, the Company had approximately 1,300 employees, 
including approximately 275 employed by the Company's joint ventures. None of 
the Company's employees are represented by a union or covered by a collective 
bargaining agreement. The Company has experienced no work stoppages and 
considers its relationship with its employees to be good. 

ITEM 2.   PROPERTIES

     Information required by this Item 2 is contained on page 32 of the 
Company's Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended December 31, 1997 
and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 3.   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

     There are no pending material legal proceedings involving the Company. 

ITEM 4.   SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

     The Company did not submit any matter to a vote of its security holders 
during the fourth quarter of its fiscal year ended December 31, 1997.

                                  PART  II

ITEM 5.   MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER 
          MATTERS

     Information required by the first sentence of Item 5(a) is contained on 
page 30 of the Company's Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended 
December 31, 1997 and is incorporated herein by reference.  The remaining 
portion of Item 5(a) and Item 5(b) are not applicable.

ITEM 6.   SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

     Information required by this Item 6 is contained on page 29 of the
Company's Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended December 31, 1997 and
is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 7.   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
          RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     Information required by this Item 7 is contained on pages 14 through 16 
of the Company's Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended December 
31, 1997 and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 7A.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

     Not applicable.

ITEM 8.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

     The financial statements and Report of Independent Auditors required by 
this Item 8 are set forth as indicated in Item 14.

ITEM 9.   CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
          FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

     Not applicable.


                                       9


                                   PART III

ITEM 10.  DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

     Information required by this Item 10 is contained under the captions 
"Election of Directors", "Executive Officers" and "Section 16(a) Beneficial 
Ownership Reporting Compliance" in the Company's definitive Proxy Statement 
relating to its 1998 annual meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated 
herein by reference.

ITEM 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

     Information required by this Item 11 is contained under the captions 
"Executive Compensation" and "Election of Directors - Compensation of 
Directors" in the Company's definitive Proxy Statement relating to its 1998 
annual meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference.  
Neither the report of the Compensation Committee of the Registrant's Board of 
Directors on executive compensation nor the performance graph included in the 
Registrant's definitive Proxy Statement relating to the annual meeting of 
Shareholders shall be deemed to be incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 12.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

     Information required by this Item 12 is contained under the caption 
"Beneficial Ownership of Company Securities" in the Company's definitive 
Proxy Statement relating to its 1998 annual meeting of Shareholders and is 
incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 13.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

     Information required by this Item 13 is contained under the caption 
"Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions" in the Company's 
definitive Proxy Statement relating to its 1998 annual meeting of 
Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference.

                                   PART IV

ITEM 14.   EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a)(1)&(2) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

     See index to financial statements and financial statement schedules at 
page F-1.

   (3)     EXHIBITS


EXHIBIT NUMBER    DESCRIPTION                                       REFERENCE
- --------------    -----------                                       ---------
                                                              
2.1               Stock Purchase Agreement dated April 24, 
                  1997 by and among Kensington Cottages 
                  Corporation of America, Karrington Health, 
                  Inc., Kensington Cottages Corporation of 
                  Minnesota and the individual shareholders 
                  of Kensington Cottages Corporation of 
                  Minnesota.                                            (2)

2.2               Agreement and Plan of Merger dated April 
                  24, 1997 by and among Karrington Health, 
                  Inc., Kensington Mergeco, Inc., Kensington 
                  Management Group, Inc. and Jon D. Rappaport.          (2)



                                       10




EXHIBIT NUMBER    DESCRIPTION                                       REFERENCE
- --------------    -----------                                       ---------
                                                              
2.3               Asset Purchase Agreement dated April 24, 
                  1997 by and among Kensington Cottages 
                  Corporation of America, Karrington Health, 
                  Inc., Buffalo Hills Residence and Jon D. 
                  Rappaport.                                            (2)

2.4               Asset Purchase Agreement dated April 24, 
                  1997 by and among Kensington Cottages 
                  Corporation of America, Karrington Health, 
                  Inc., Centex-Kensington (Mankato I) 
                  Partnership, Centex Senior Services 
                  Corporation, Centex Life Solutions, Inc., 
                  Kensington Cottages Corporation of Mankato 
                  and Jon D. Rappaport.                                 (2)

2.5               Asset Purchase agreement dated April 24, 
                  1997 by and among Kensington Cottages 
                  Corporation of America, Karrington Health, 
                  Inc., Kensington Cottages Corporation of 
                  North Dakota and the individual 
                  shareholders of Kensington Cottages 
                  Corporation of North Dakota.                          (2)

2.6               Asset Purchase Agreement dated April 24, 
                  1997 by and among Kensington Cottages 
                  Corporation of America, Karrington Health, 
                  Inc., Kensington Cottages Corporation of 
                  Rochester and Jon D. Rappaport.                       (2)

2.7               Asset Purchase Agreement dated April 24, 
                  1997 by and among Kensington Cottages 
                  Corporation of America, Karrington Health, 
                  Inc., Kensington Cottages Corporation of 
                  Iowa and the individual shareholders of 
                  Kensington Cottages Corporation of Iowa.              (2)

2.8               Asset Purchase Agreement dated April 24, 
                  1997 by and among Kensington Cottages 
                  Corporation of America, Karrington Health, 
                  Inc., Bismarck Investors, Kensington Living 
                  Centers, Inc. and Jon D. Rappaport.                   (2)

3.1               Form of Amended Articles of Incorporation 
                  of the Company                                        (1)

3.2               Form of Code of Regulations of the Company            (1)

10.1              1996 Incentive Stock Plan *                           (1)

10.4              Registration Rights Agreement dated May 8, 
                  1996, by and among the Company and the 
                  Investors (as defined therein)                        (1)

10.5              Reorganization Agreement dated May 8, 1996, 
                  by and among the Company and the Investors 
                  (as defined therein)                                  (1)

10.6              Letter of Intent Dated April 29, 1996, by 
                  and between the Company and Sisters of 
                  Charity Health Care Systems, Inc.                     (1)

13                Annual Report to Shareholders                         (3)

21                Subsidiaries of the Registrant                        (3)

23.1              Consent of Ernst & Young LLP                          (3)

24.1              Power of Attorney - Richard R. Slager                 (3)

24.2              Power of Attorney - Pete A. Klisares                  (3)

24.3              Power of Attorney - Thomas J. Klimback                (3)

24.4              Power of Attorney - Mark N. Mace                      (3)

24.5              Power of Attorney - Charles S. McCreary               (3)

24.6              Power of Attorney - John S. Christie                  (3)

24.7              Power of Attorney - Bernadine P. Healy                (3)

24.8              Power of Attorney - David H. Hoag                     (3)

24.9              Power of Attorney - John H. McConnell                 (3)

24.10             Power of Attorney - James V. Pickett                  (3)



                                       11




EXHIBIT NUMBER    DESCRIPTION                                       REFERENCE
- --------------    -----------                                       ---------
                                                              
24.11             Power of Attorney - Harold A. Poling                  (3)

24.12             Power of Attorney - Michael H. Thomas                 (3)

24.13             Power of Attorney - Robert D. Walter                  (3)

27                Financial Data Schedule (4)                           (3)


- ---------------

     (1)  Included as an exhibit by the same number in the Company's 
          Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-03491) and 
          incorporated herein by reference.

     (2)  Included as an exhibit by the same number in the Company's Form 
          8-K/A filed on May 21, 1997 and incorporated herein by reference.

     (3)  Filed herewith.

     (4)  No restated Financial Data Schedules are required to be filed.

      *   Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.


(b)       REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

     The Company's current report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and 
     Exchange Commission on May 15, 1997 (as amended May 21, 1997 and July 
     14, 1997) reported under Item 2, Acquisition or Disposition of Assets, 
     the acquisition of Kensington Management Group, Inc. and affiliated 
     entities ("Kensington"), including audited financial statements of 
     Kensington for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995 and the 
     unaudited financial statements for the three month period ended March 
     31, 1997 and proforma financial information.

(c)       EXHIBITS

     Exhibits filed with this Annual Report on Form 10-K are attached hereto. 
     For a list of such exhibits, see Item 14(a)(3).

(d)       FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

     Financial statement schedules filed with this Annual Report on Form 10-K
     are attached hereto.  For a list of such schedules, see Item 14(a)(2).

                                        12


                                 SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities 
and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this 
report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly 
authorized.

                                        Karrington Health, Inc.

                                        By: /s/ RICHARD R. SLAGER
                                            ----------------------
                                            Richard R. Slager
                                            Chairman of the Board

                                        Date: March 31, 1998

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1934, as amended, 
this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the 
registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.



               SIGNATURE                                                 TITLE                                         DATE
               ---------                                                 -----                                         ----
                                                                                                            
/s/  RICHARD R. SLAGER                   Chairman of the Board and                                                March 31, 1998
- -------------------------------          Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
Richard R. Slager

/s/  PETE A. KLISARES                   President, Chief Operating Officer and Director                          March 31, 1998
- -------------------------------
Pete A. Klisares

/s/  THOMAS J. KLIMBACK                 Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer                        March 31, 1998
- -------------------------------          (Principal Financial Officer)
Thomas J. Klimback

/s/  MARK N. MACE                       Senior Vice President, Finance and Treasurer                             March 31, 1998
- -------------------------------          (Principal Accounting Officer)
Mark N. Mace

/s/  CHARLES H. MCCREARY                Secretary and Director                                                   March 31, 1998
- -------------------------------
Charles H. McCreary

/s/  JOHN S. CHRISTIE                   Director                                                                 March 31, 1998
- -------------------------------
John S. Christie

/s/ BERNADINE P. HEALY, M.D.            Director                                                                 March 31, 1998
- -------------------------------
Bernadine P. Healy, M.D.

/s/ DAVID H. HOAG                       Director                                                                 March 31, 1998
- -------------------------------
David H. Hoag

/s/ JOHN H. MCCONNELL                   Director                                                                 March 31, 1998
- -------------------------------
John H. McConnell

/s/  JAMES V. PICKETT                   Director                                                                 March 31, 1998
- -------------------------------
James V. Pickett

/s/  HAROLD A. POLING                   Director                                                                 March 31, 1998
- -------------------------------
Harold A. Poling

/s/  MICHAEL H. THOMAS                  Director                                                                 March 31, 1998
- -------------------------------
Michael H. Thomas

/s/  ROBERT D. WALTER                   Director                                                                 March 31, 1998
- -------------------------------
Robert D. Walter



                                       13


                         KARRINGTON HEALTH, INC.

     INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

                         (ITEMS 14(a)(1) AND (2))


1.   DESCRIPTION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     
     
     The following are incorporated by reference                    PAGE(S) IN 1997
     in this Annual Report on Form 10-K                            ANNUAL REPORT TO
     for the year ended December 31, 1997                            SHAREHOLDERS
                                                                   ----------------
                                                                
           Report of Independent Auditors                                 17
           Consolidated Balance Sheets                                    18
           Consolidated Statements of Operations                          19
           Consolidated Statements of Equity                              20
           Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows                          21
           Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                   22-28
     



2.   FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
     
     
                                                                         PAGE
                                                                   ----------------
                                                                
     Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts                      F-2


     All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable 
accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not 
required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and therefore 
have been omitted.

                                       F-1


SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS



- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  COL. A                COL. B                COL. C              COL. D          COL. E  
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DESCRIPTION           BALANCE AT            ADDITIONS           DEDUCTIONS -    BALANCE AT
                      BEGINNING      ------------------------     DESCRIBE         END    
                      OF PERIOD         (1)           (2)                       OF PERIOD 
                                     CHARGED TO    CHARGED TO                             
                                     COSTS AND       OTHER                                
                                      EXPENSES     ACCOUNTS -                             
                                                   DESCRIBE                               
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 
    Reserve for
Terminated Projects
- -------------------
    Year Ended
- -------------------
December 31, 1997     $       0       1,191,909         -      (1,161,909) (1)  $  30,000
                      ---------      ----------    ----------  ----------       ----------
                      ---------      ----------    ----------  ----------       ----------
December 31, 1996     $       0           -             -           -           $       0
                      ---------      ----------    ----------  ----------       ----------
                      ---------      ----------    ----------  ----------       ----------
December 31, 1995     $       0           -             -           -           $       0
                      ---------      ----------    ----------  ----------       ----------
                      ---------      ----------    ----------  ----------       ----------


- ---------------

(1)  The deduction resulted from the Company's decision to abandon certain 
     projects.  At the time a project is abandoned, all previously 
     capitalized costs are charged against the reserve.


                                       F-2


                             KARRINGTON HEALTH, INC.
                                INDEX TO EXHIBITS


EXHIBIT NUMBER    DESCRIPTION                                           REFERENCE
- --------------    -----------                                           ---------
                                                                  
 2.1              Stock Purchase Agreement dated April 24, 1997 by
                  and among Kensington Cottages Corporation of
                  America, Karrington Health, Inc., Kensington
                  Cottages Corporation of Minnesota and the
                  individual shareholders of Kensington Cottages
                  Corporation of Minnesota.                                 (2)

 2.2              Agreement and Plan of Merger dated April 24, 1997 by
                  and among Karrington Health, Inc., Kensington
                  Mergeco, Inc., Kensington Management Group, Inc. and
                  Jon D. Rappaport.                                         (2)

 2.3              Asset Purchase Agreement dated April 24, 1997 by and
                  among Kensington Cottages Corporation of America,
                  Karrington Health, Inc., Buffalo Hills Residence and
                  Jon D. Rappaport.                                         (2)

 2.4              Asset Purchase Agreement dated April 24, 1997 by and
                  among Kensington Cottages Corporation of America,
                  Karrington Health, Inc., Centex-Kensington (Mankato
                  I) Partnership, Centex Senior Services Corporation,
                  Centex Life Solutions, Inc., Kensington Cottages
                  Corporation of Mankato and Jon D. Rappaport.              (2)

 2.5              Asset Purchase agreement dated April 24, 1997 by and
                  among Kensington Cottages Corporation of America, 
                  Karrington Health, Inc., Kensington Cottages Corporation
                  of North Dakota and the individual shareholders of 
                  Kensington Cottages Corporation of North Dakota.          (2)

 2.6              Asset Purchase Agreement dated April 24, 1997 by and
                  among Kensington Cottages Corporation of America,
                  Karrington Health, Inc., Kensington Cottages
                  Corporation of Rochester and Jon D. Rappaport.            (2)

 2.7              Asset Purchase Agreement dated April 24, 1997 by and
                  among Kensington Cottages Corporation of America,
                  Karrington Health, Inc., Kensington Cottages
                  Corporation of Iowa and the individual shareholders
                  of Kensington Cottages Corporation of Iowa.               (2)

2.8               Asset Purchase Agreement dated April 24, 1997 by and
                  among Kensington Cottages Corporation of America,
                  Karrington Health, Inc., Bismarck Investors,
                  Kensington Living Centers, Inc. and Jon D.
                  Rappaport.                                                (2)

3.1               Form of Amended Articles of Incorporation of the
                  Company                                                   (1)

3.2               Form of Code of Regulations of the Company                (1)

10.1              1996 Incentive Stock Plan *                               (1)

10.4              Registration Rights Agreement dated May 8, 1996, by
                  and among the Company and the Investors (as defined
                  therein)                                                  (1)

10.5              Reorganization Agreement dated May 8, 1996, by and
                  among the Company and the Investors (as defined
                  therein)                                                  (1)

10.6              Letter of Intent Dated April 29, 1996, by and
                  between the Company and Sisters of Charity Health
                  Care Systems, Inc.                                        (1)

13                Annual Report to Shareholders                             (3)





EXHIBIT NUMBER    DESCRIPTION                                           REFERENCE
- --------------    -----------                                           ---------
                                                                  
21                Subsidiaries of the Registrant                            (3)

23.1              Consent of Ernst & Young LLP                              (3)

24.1              Power of Attorney - Richard R. Slager                     (3)

24.2              Power of Attorney - Pete A. Klisares                      (3)

24.3              Power of Attorney - Thomas J. Klimback                    (3)

24.4              Power of Attorney - Mark N. Mace                          (3)

24.5              Power of Attorney - Charles S. McCreary                   (3)

24.6              Power of Attorney - John S. Christie                      (3)

24.7              Power of Attorney - Bernadine P. Healy                    (3)

24.8              Power of Attorney - David H. Hoag                         (3)

24.9              Power of Attorney - John H. McConnell                     (3)

24.10             Power of Attorney - James V. Pickett                      (3)

24.11             Power of Attorney - Harold A. Poling                      (3)

24.12             Power of Attorney - Michael H. Thomas                     (3)

24.13             Power of Attorney - Robert D. Walter                      (3)
                                                                            
27                Financial Data Schedule (4)                               (3)


- ---------------

     (1)  Included as an exhibit by the same number in the Company's 
          Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-03491) and 
          incorporated herein by reference.

     (2)  Included as an exhibit by the same number in the Company's Form 
          8-K/A filed on May 21, 1997 and incorporated herein by reference.

     (3)  Filed herewith.

     (4)  No restated Financial Data Schedules are required to be filed.

      *   Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.