Exhibit 99.2

Andrea Ludington Elected Senior Vice President of Beverly Enterprises

    FORT SMITH, Ark.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 11, 2004--Beverly
Enterprises (NYSE:BEV) today announced that Andrea Ludington has been
elected senior vice president, professional services. She will be
responsible for leading Beverly's professional clinical activities and
achieving the company's quality goals. Previously, Ludington was
regional director of professional services for Beverly.
    "Andi's 30-year experience in long-term care and extensive
background as a registered nurse and licensed nursing home
administrator make her an excellent choice for directing Beverly's
quality-of-care initiatives," said William R. Floyd, Beverly chairman,
president and chief executive officer. "Ensuring quality patient care
is our number-one priority, and Andi will play a lead role in helping
us achieve this objective."
    In her new clinical leadership position, Ludington will manage the
activities of Beverly's directors of professional services, monitor
the organization's compliance with regulatory standards, and direct
the development of educational materials needed to support clinical
professional service standards.
    Before joining Beverly in 1999, Ludington was owner and nursing
consultant for Destiny Health Management Consultants. Prior to that,
she was executive director for Mt. Carmel Nursing Home, a 692-bed
skilled nursing facility in Milwaukee, Wis., and director of nurses at
Lakeside Nursing Home, a 120-bed skilled nursing facility in
Milwaukee.
    Ludington earned a Bachelor of Science degree in management from
Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee. She earned a certificate in
nursing management from Marquette University in Milwaukee and her
nursing diploma from the Mount Sinai School of Nursing in Milwaukee.
    Beverly Enterprises, Inc. and its operating subsidiaries are
leading providers of healthcare services to the elderly in the United
States. They operate 372 skilled nursing facilities, as well as 20
assisted living centers, and 26 hospice and home care centers. Through
AEGIS Therapies, they also offer rehabilitative services on a contract
basis to nursing facilities operated by other care providers.


    CONTACT: Beverly Enterprises, Fort Smith
             Blair Jackson, 479-201-5263
             www.beverlycares.com