EXHIBIT 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-16971) pertaining to the 1996 Incentive Stock Plan of our report dated March 5, 1999, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) of Karrington Health, Inc. /s/ Ernst & Young LLP Columbus, Ohio March 30, 1999