Exhibit 99.2

       Jane Washburn Joins Beverly Enterprises as Chief Marketing Officer

    FORT SMITH, Ark.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 11, 2005--Beverly
Enterprises (NYSE: BEV) today announced that Jane Washburn has joined
the company as Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer. In this
role, she will be responsible for branding, marketing, market
research, business development and strategic planning.
    "Jane will be a key player in Beverly's success, as market
differentiation and brand awareness become increasingly important
drivers of our growth strategy," said William R. Floyd, Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer of Beverly. "Jane's marketing and business
development expertise and her track record of innovation will help us
refine Beverly's brand positioning, sharpen our competitive edge and
generate profitable growth."
    Prior to joining Beverly, Washburn was president of her own
consulting and coaching firm, Brand-Built International, in Greenwich,
CT. There, she specialized in business development and brand
positioning within the services sector. Before that, Washburn was
Managing Director and Chief Marketing Officer for Broadview
International, a global investment bank and private equity firm
acquired by Jefferies & Co in 2004. Earlier, she held senior-level
marketing positions at Price Waterhouse and Citibank. Washburn, 50,
began her career in product management roles at Revlon, Pepsi-Cola and
H.J. Heinz. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism and
sociology and an MBA degree in marketing from Indiana University.
    Beverly Enterprises, Inc. and its operating subsidiaries are
leading providers of healthcare services to the elderly in the United
States. Beverly currently operates 327 skilled nursing facilities, as
well as 18 assisted living centers, and 52 hospice and home care
centers. Through Aegis Therapies, Beverly also offers rehabilitative
services on a contract basis to facilities operated by other care
providers.

    CONTACT: Beverly Enterprises, Inc., Fort Smith
             Investor Contact:
             James M. Griffith, 479-201-5514
             or
             Media Contact:
             Blair C. Jackson, 479-201-5263
             www.beverlycorp.com