Exhibit 99.1



            American Retirement Corporation Announces Resignation of
                   John A. Morris from the Board of Directors


     NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 17, 2006--American Retirement
Corporation (NYSE: ACR) ("ARC" or the "Company"), a leading national provider of
senior living housing and care, today announced that John A. Morris, Jr., M.D.
notified our Board of Directors that he will not stand for re-election to the
Board of Directors at our 2006 annual meeting of shareholders to be held on May
17, 2006, when his current term expires. Dr. Morris also tendered his
resignation from the Board of Directors effective as of the date of the annual
meeting due to other time commitments.
     "John has been a valuable member of our board since 1995," commented Bill
Sheriff, Chairman, President and CEO of the Company. "His contributions and
expertise will be greatly missed. We wish him all the best in the future. In the
name of ARC's shareholders, management and associates, I want to thank John for
his hard work and contribution to ARC."

     Company Profile

     American Retirement Corporation is a national senior living and health care
services provider offering a broad range of care and services to seniors,
including independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing and Alzheimer's
care. Established in 1978, the Company believes that it is a leader in the
operation and management of senior living communities, including independent
living communities, continuing care retirement communities, free-standing
assisted living communities, and the development of specialized care programs
for residents with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. The Company's
operating philosophy is to enhance the lives of seniors by striving to provide
the highest quality of care and services in well-operated communities designed
to improve and protect the quality of life, independence, personal freedom,
privacy, spirit, and dignity of its residents The Company currently operates 82
senior living communities in 19 states, with an aggregate unit capacity of
approximately 15,400 units and resident capacity of approximately 17,100. The
Company owns 33 communities (including 13 communities in joint ventures), leases
43 communities, and manages 6 communities pursuant to management agreements.


     CONTACT: American Retirement Corporation
              Ross C. Roadman, 615-376-2412