ATRIA COMMUNITIES INC
S-3, 1998-01-09
OFFICES & CLINICS OF DOCTORS OF MEDICINE
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<PAGE>
 
   AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON JANUARY 9, 1998.
 
                                                       REGISTRATION NO. 333-
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                                ---------------
                                   FORM S-3
                            REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                          THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                                ---------------
                            ATRIA COMMUNITIES, INC.
              (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
                                ---------------
         DELAWARE                    8361                    61-1303738
     (STATE OR OTHER          (PRIMARY STANDARD           (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
       JURISDICTION               INDUSTRIAL            IDENTIFICATION NO.)
   OF INCORPORATION OR       CLASSIFICATION CODE
      ORGANIZATION)                NUMBER)
                       515 WEST MARKET STREET, SUITE 200
                          LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY 40202
                                (502) 596-7540
  (ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF
                   REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
                                ---------------
                               AUDRA J. ECKERLE
                                GENERAL COUNSEL
                            ATRIA COMMUNITIES, INC.
                       515 WEST MARKET STREET, SUITE 200
                          LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY 40202
                                (502) 596-7540
(NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE,
                             OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
                                   COPY TO:
                                IVAN M. DIAMOND
                        GREENEBAUM DOLL & MCDONALD PLLC
                           3300 NATIONAL CITY TOWER
                             LOUISVILLE, KY 40202
                                (502) 587-3534
                                ---------------
  APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE OF THESE SECURITIES TO THE
PUBLIC: As soon as practicable after this registration statement becomes
effective.
  If the only securities being registered on this form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the
following box. [_]
  If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or
interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. [X]
  If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following
box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. [_]
  If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [_]
  If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. [_]
                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             PROPOSED
                                                              PROPOSED       MAXIMUM
                                                AMOUNT        MAXIMUM       AGGREGATE      AMOUNT OF
          TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF                TO BE      OFFERING PRICE OFFERING PRICE  REGISTRATION
        SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED           REGISTERED   PER SHARE (1)       (1)            FEE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                         <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
5.0% Convertible Subordinated Notes due
 2002......................................  $143,750,000       100%       $143,750,000     $42,407
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stock, par value $0.10 per share....      (2)            (2)            (2)
</TABLE>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee. If
    the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered
    pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the
    following box. [_]
(2) Such indeterminate number of shares of Common Stock as shall be issuable
    upon conversion of the Notes being registered hereunder. No additional
    consideration will be received for the Common Stock and therefore no
    registration fee is required pursuant to Rule 457(i).
                                ---------------
  THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT
SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS
REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH
SECTION 8(A) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING
PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A), MAY DETERMINE.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A         +
+REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE   +
+SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY  +
+OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT        +
+BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR   +
+THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE      +
+SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE    +
+UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF  +
+ANY SUCH STATE.                                                               +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                  SUBJECT TO COMPLETION DATED JANUARY 9, 1998
 
PROSPECTUS
 
                                  $143,750,000
                                      LOGO
 
                  5.0% CONVERTIBLE SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2002
 
  This Prospectus relates to the offering by the selling securityholders (the
"Selling Securityholders") of up to an aggregate of $143,750,000 principal
amount of 5.0% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2002 (the "Notes") of Atria
Communities, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company" or "Atria"), and the
shares of common stock, par value $0.10 per share (the "Common Stock"), that
are issuable upon conversion of the Notes. The Notes will be convertible at the
option of the holder into shares of Common Stock at any time on or after the
90th day following the latest date of initial issuance through maturity, unless
previously redeemed or repurchased at the initial conversion price (the
"Conversion Price") of $20.864 per share, subject to adjustment in certain
events. See "Description of Notes--Conversion of Notes." The Notes offered
hereby were originally sold by the Company in an underwritten private placement
to certain institutional investors and non-U.S. investors in October 1997 (the
"Note Offering").
 
  Interest on the Notes is payable on April 15 and October 15 of each year,
commencing on April 15, 1998. The Notes will mature on October 15, 2002 unless
previously redeemed or repurchased. The Notes are not redeemable by the Company
prior to October 15, 2000. Thereafter, the Notes will be redeemable on at least
15 days notice at the option of the Company, in whole or in part, at the
redemption prices set forth herein, in each case together with accrued and
unpaid interest. Subject to certain restrictions and conditions, in the event
of a Change in Control (as defined), each holder of Notes will have the right
to require the Company to repurchase all or any portion of such holder's Notes
at 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest. See
"Description of Notes--Optional Redemption by the Company" and "--Repurchase at
Option of Holders upon Change in Control."
 
  The Notes are general unsecured obligations of the Company, subordinated in
right of payment to all existing and future Senior Indebtedness (as defined) of
the Company. As of September 30, 1997, the Company had approximately $108.2
million of Senior Indebtedness. See "Description of Notes--Subordination of
Notes."
 
  The Notes may be sold from time to time pursuant to this Prospectus by the
Selling Securityholders. The Notes may be sold by the Selling Securityholders
in ordinary brokerage transactions, in transactions in which brokers solicit
purchases, in negotiated transactions, or in a combination of such methods of
sale, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices relating to
such prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices. See "Plan of
Distribution." The Company will receive no part of the proceeds of sales from
the offering by the Selling Securityholders. All expenses of registration
incurred in connection with this offering are being borne by the Company, but
all selling and other expenses incurred by the Selling Securityholders will be
borne by such Selling Securityholders. None of the securities offered pursuant
to this Prospectus have been registered prior to the filing of the Registration
Statement of which this Prospectus is a part.
 
  The Common Stock is traded under the symbol "ATRC." The last reported sale
price of the Common Stock on the Nasdaq National Market on January 8, 1998, was
$17.50 per share.
 
                                  -----------
 
  SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 6 FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN RISKS THAT
SHOULD BE CONSIDERED IN CONNECTION WITH AN INVESTMENT IN THE NOTES OFFERED
HEREBY.
 
                                  -----------
 
 THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED  OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
  EXCHANGE  COMMISSION  OR  ANY  STATE  SECURITIES  COMMISSION  NOR  HAS  THE
    SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE  COMMISSION OR ANY  STATE SECURITIES  COMMISSION
     PASSED  UPON  THE  ACCURACY  OR  ADEQUACY  OF  THIS  PROSPECTUS.  ANY
      REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
January      , 1998
<PAGE>
 
                                    SUMMARY
 
  The following information is qualified in its entirety by, and is subject to,
the more detailed information appearing elsewhere or incorporated by reference
in this Prospectus, including the information set forth under "Risk Factors."
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
  Atria is a leading national provider of assisted and independent living
services for the elderly. At September 30, 1997, the Company operated 37
communities in 17 states with a total of 3,890 units. The Company also had 33
assisted living communities under development, including 17 communities under
construction. The Company's communities included 1,878 assisted living units
and 2,012 independent living units. The Company owns 30 of its communities,
holds a majority interest in two communities, leases two communities and
manages three communities.
 
  Assisted living is a rapidly emerging component of the non-acute health care
system for the elderly. The assisted and independent living industries serve
the long-term care needs of the elderly who do not require the more extensive
medical services available in skilled nursing facilities, yet who are either no
longer capable of or desire a totally independent lifestyle. Assisting living
residents typically require assistance with two or more activities of daily
living ("ADLs"), such as eating, grooming and bathing, personal hygiene and
toileting, dressing, transportation, walking and medication supervision. The
independent living industry serves the long-term care needs of the elderly who
require only occasional assistance with ADLs.
 
  According to industry estimates, the assisted living industry represented
approximately $12.0 billion in revenue in 1996. The Company believes that
growth in the demand for assisted and independent living services is being
driven by: the growing elderly population segment; changing societal patterns
that make it difficult for families to provide in-home care for the elderly;
increasing recognition among the elderly and their families that assisted and
independent living facilities afford a cost-effective, independent, secure and
attractive lifestyle; and the limited supply of purpose-built assisted living
facilities currently available.
 
  Atria's objective is to expand its position as a leading national provider of
high-quality assisted living services. Key elements of the Company's strategy
are to continue to: (i) develop or acquire, in geographic clusters, 60 to 85
additional assisted living communities consisting of approximately 5,400 to
7,650 units by the year 2000 (including the 33 communities under development at
September 30, 1997 and the communities developed or acquired since the
Company's initial public offering) to achieve regional density; (ii) convert at
least 750 of its existing independent living units to assisted living units by
the year 2000 (approximately 250 per year); (iii) focus on private pay, middle-
and upper-income residents; (iv) develop network relationships and strategic
alliances with leading national and regional health care providers; (v) offer a
broad range of high-quality services that meet the individual needs of
residents to enable them to "age in place"; and (vi) develop the Atria
prototype model in targeted markets to increase brand awareness and achieve
construction and operational efficiencies.
 
  Prior to completion of the Company's initial public offering in August 1996
(the "IPO"), certain of the Company's assisted and independent living
communities had been operated by Vencor, Inc. ("Vencor") and its predecessors
for over a decade. Vencor operates an integrated network of health care
services primarily focusing on the needs of the elderly. In July 1997, the
Company completed a public offering of 6.9 million primary shares of Common
Stock (the "Secondary Offering"). At September 30, 1997, Vencor owned 42.8% of
the Company's outstanding Common Stock.
 
  The Company's executive offices are located at 515 West Market Street, Suite
200, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, and its telephone number is (502) 596-7540.
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
 
                              RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
 
  In April 1997, the Company acquired American ElderServe Corporation
("American ElderServe"), an Atlanta-based operator of assisted living
communities, for approximately $30.5 million in cash, stock and assumption of
debt. At the time of the acquisition, American ElderServe operated 12 assisted
living communities consisting of 503 units (six of the communities were owned;
one was leased; and five were managed under contract). The Company terminated
the management contracts on four of the five managed communities during July
1997. At the time of the acquisition, American ElderServe had six additional
communities under construction, three of which opened in 1997, and the
remainder of which are scheduled to open in 1998. In connection with the
acquisition, Andy L. Schoepf, the former President and Chief Executive Officer
and principal shareholder of American ElderServe, joined the Company as its
Chief Operating Officer, received 636,487 shares of Common Stock (including
certain demand and incidental registration rights with respect thereto) and was
subsequently elected a director of the Company.
 
  In connection with the American ElderServe acquisition, the Company entered
into a development agreement with Elder HealthCare Developers, LLC ("Elder
HealthCare"), a Georgia limited liability company owned ten percent by Atria
and 90.0% by Assisted Care Developers, LLC ("Assisted Care Developers").
Assisted Care Developers is wholly-owned by George A. Schoepf, former Executive
Vice President of American ElderServe and the brother of Andy L. Schoepf. Elder
HealthCare has the exclusive right to develop assisted living communities for
the Company in nine southeastern states. The Company has agreed that Elder
HealthCare will develop at least 15 communities in this southeast region over
the next three years; twelve of those communities are currently under
development. The Company will have the first option to purchase any such
development community at the lesser of its fair market value or the cost to
develop and operate such community through the time of purchase plus $666,666.
The Company may exercise its option to purchase a community only after the
community's operations become profitable as defined in the development
agreement. Under the terms of the operating agreement of Elder HealthCare, as
amended, Elder HealthCare will fund the development, construction and working
capital needs of its communities by use of third party financing. If such
financing is unavailable or insufficient to cover all of the construction and
start-up costs associated with any of such communities, Atria will extend the
necessary funds or guarantees to Elder HealthCare. Assisted Care Developers has
agreed to indemnify the Company for up to 90.0% of any loss suffered by Atria
as a result of the default of Elder HealthCare on any loan either extended or
guaranteed by Atria. The Company will manage communities developed by Elder
HealthCare from the day they commence operations. See "Risk Factors--Increased
Leverage and Risks of Indebtedness."
 
  The Company is in the process of completing the acquisition from The Carra
Company, LLC ("Carra") of five assisted living community development sites
located in Tennessee, Texas and Alabama. Carra will complete the development of
these communities pursuant to development agreements with the Company. The
total cost to acquire and complete the development of these communities will be
approximately $24.4 million. The development of one of these communities, with
92 units located in Memphis, Tennessee, was completed in March 1997. A second
84-unit community located in Memphis opened in September 1997. Communities to
be developed at the remaining three sites are scheduled to open during early
1998.
 
  In June 1997, the Company and MedGroup Management, Inc. ("MedGroup"), a
wholly-owned for-profit subsidiary of Jewish Hospital HealthCare Services, Inc.
("Jewish HealthCare"), reached an agreement regarding the development of
assisted living communities within the market areas of Jewish HealthCare
facilities. MedGroup has an exclusive right of first refusal to be the sole
participant with Atria in the development of assisted living communities in
southern Indiana and central Kentucky. Pursuant to this agreement, one
community located in Louisville, Kentucky was opened in December 1997. Two
communities are currently under development in the greater Louisville area.
Jewish HealthCare is one of the largest operators of health care facilities in
Kentucky and southern Indiana, with a network of 36 health care facilities.
 
  In February 1997, the Company acquired a 102-unit assisted living community
and a 48 bed, 27-unit memory impairment and dementia care community. Both of
these communities are located in Knoxville,
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
Tennessee. In September 1997, the Company opened a 48-unit assisted living
community in Memphis, Tennessee.
 
  In July 1997, the Company completed the Secondary Offering. The Company
intends to use the net proceeds from the Secondary Offering, approximately
$91.0 million, to finance the development and acquisition of assisted living
communities and for general corporate purposes.
 
  In October 1997, the Company completed the Note Offering. The net proceeds of
the Note Offering will be used by the Company to finance the development and
acquisition of additional assisted living communities and for working capital
and other general corporate purposes.
 
  Additionally, in October 1997, the Company purchased the assets of a
retirement community in Stamford, Connecticut for approximately $14.0 million.
This community was previously owned by Vencor and has been managed by the
Company since April 1997.
 
  In November 1997, the Company opened a 50-unit assisted living community in
Chattanooga, Tennessee, which contains 12 units dedicated to memory impairment
and dementia care. The Company also opened a 60-unit community, with 20 units
for memory impaired residents, adjacent to an existing independent living
community in Sedona, Arizona and a 40-unit addition to an existing assisted
living community in Tacoma, Washington. In December 1997, the Company opened a
60-unit assisted living community in Charlotte, North Carolina and, pursuant to
the development agreement with MedGroup, a 70-unit assisted living community in
Louisville, Kentucky.
 
  In January 1998, the Company acquired a 99-unit assisted living complex in
Falmouth, Massachusetts. Of the 99 units, 70 are assisted living or independent
living units. The other 29 units are dedicated to memory impairment and
dementia care.
 
  The Company is continually considering opportunities for future growth and
actively negotiating to acquire additional communities. In December 1997, the
Company entered into definitive agreements to acquire five facilities in Texas.
The facilities include a complex in Tyler, Texas that encompasses a 62-unit
assisted living community, a 100-unit independent living community and a 242-
bed nursing center. The other two facilities are a 72-unit assisted living
community also located in Tyler and a 90-bed nursing center in Chandler, Texas.
The prior owner will continue to manage the two nursing centers following
completion of these acquisitions. There can be no assurance that the Company
will consummate these acquisitions.
 
                   SPECIAL NOTE ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
  Certain statements contained or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus
that are not historical facts constitute "forward-looking statements" within
the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such
forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and
other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of
the Company to differ materially from any future results, performance or
achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such
factors include, among other things: (i) the successful and timely
implementation of the Company's acquisition and development strategy; (ii) the
Company's ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms to finance its growth
strategy and to operate within the limitations imposed by financing
arrangements; (iii) the cost of implementing the Company's acquisition and
development strategies; and (iv) other factors referenced in this Prospectus.
See "Risk Factors." The Company does not undertake to update any forward-
looking statement that may be made from time to time by, or on behalf of, the
Company.
 
                                  THE OFFERING
 
Securities Offered............  $143,750,000 aggregate principal amount of
                                5.0% Convertible Subordinated Notes due
                                2002.
 
Interest Payment Dates........  April 15 and October 15, commencing April
                                15, 1998.
 
Maturity Date.................  October 15, 2002.
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
 
Conversion Rights.............  The Notes are convertible into shares of
                                Common Stock at any time on or after the
                                90th day following the latest date of
                                initial issuance of Notes and prior to
                                maturity, unless previously redeemed or
                                repurchased, at a conversion price of
                                $20.864 per share, subject to certain
                                adjustments. See "Description of Notes--
                                Conversion of Notes."
 
Optional Redemption...........  The Notes are not redeemable by the Company
                                until October 15, 2000. Thereafter, the
                                Notes will be redeemable, at any time, on
                                at least 15 days' notice at the option of
                                the Company, in whole or in part, at the
                                redemption prices set forth herein, plus
                                accrued interest. See "Description of
                                Notes--Optional Redemption by the Company."
 
Change in Control.............  In the event that a Change in Control
                                occurs, each holder of Notes may require
                                the Company to repurchase all or a portion
                                of such holder's Notes at 100% of the
                                principal amount thereof, together with
                                accrued interest to the repurchase date.
                                See "Risk Factors--Limitation on Repurchase
                                of Notes upon Change in Control" and
                                "Description of Notes--Repurchase at Option
                                of Holders upon Change in Control."
 
Subordination.................  The Notes are unsecured and subordinated in
                                right of payment in full to all existing
                                and future Senior Indebtedness. See
                                "Description of Notes--Subordination of
                                Notes." As defined, Senior Indebtedness
                                includes the Company's long-term debt,
                                capital lease obligations and any
                                outstanding balance on its line of credit.
                                At September 30, 1997, the Company had
                                approximately $108.2 million of
                                indebtedness outstanding that would have
                                constituted Senior Indebtedness and had an
                                additional $88.8 million available under
                                its $200.0 million line of credit.
 
                                The Company will not receive any of the
Use of Proceeds...............  proceeds from the sale of the Notes or the
                                underlying Common Stock. See "Use of
                                Proceeds."
 
Registration Rights and
 Liquidated Damages...........
                                The Company will be required to pay
                                liquidated damages to the holders of the
                                Notes or the underlying Common Stock, as
                                the case may be, under certain
                                circumstances if the Company is not in
                                compliance with its registration
                                obligations. See "Description of Notes--
                                Registration Rights."
 
                       RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        YEAR                        NINE MONTHS
                                        ENDED      YEARS ENDED         ENDED
                                       MAY 31,    DECEMBER 31,     SEPTEMBER 30,
                                       ------- ------------------- -------------
                                       1993(1) 1993 1994 1995 1996  1996   1997
                                       ------- ---- ---- ---- ---- ------ ------
<S>                                    <C>     <C>  <C>  <C>  <C>  <C>    <C>
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(2)
 ....................................   0.6x   1.3x 2.7x 2.3x 2.5x   2.5x   2.6x
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) For accounting purposes, the consolidated financial information of Atria
    for 1992 is based upon the previous fiscal reporting period of such
    entities that most closely approximate the respective calendar year.
    Accordingly, operating results for the five months ended May 31, 1993 are
    included in both May 31, 1993 and December 31, 1993 disclosures. Revenues
    and net income for such period approximated $15.6 million and $61,000,
    respectively.
(2) The ratio of earnings to fixed charges is calculated by dividing income
    before income taxes and extraordinary loss plus fixed charges (excluding
    capitalized interest) by fixed charges (including capitalized interest).
    Fixed charges consist of interest expense, including amortization of
    financing costs, and that portion of rental expense deemed to be
    representative of the interest component of rental expense less any
    applicable sublease income. Earnings were not sufficient to cover fixed
    charges to the extent of $2.3 million for the year ended May 31, 1993.
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
                                 RISK FACTORS
 
  In addition to the other information contained in this Prospectus, the
following factors should be considered carefully in evaluating an investment
in the Notes.
 
  Financial Risks Associated with Expansion Program. Typically, a newly
developed assisted living community is expected to incur operating losses
during the first 12 months of operations of between $150,000 and $250,000 for
a 90-unit community. Once opened, the Company estimates that it will take an
average of 12 months for its communities to achieve targeted occupancy levels.
The Company may incur additional operating losses if it fails to achieve
expected occupancy rates at newly developed communities or if expenses related
to the development, acquisition or operation of new communities exceed
expectations. The risks associated with the Company's development of
additional assisted living communities and uncertainties regarding the
profitability of such operations could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
  Development and Construction Risks. The Company intends to develop or
acquire 60 to 85 additional assisted living communities consisting of
approximately 5,400 to 7,650 units by the year 2000 (including the 33
communities being developed at September 30, 1997 and the communities
developed and acquired since the IPO). The Company's ability to expand at this
pace will depend upon a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the
Company's ability to acquire suitable properties at reasonable prices; the
Company's success in obtaining necessary zoning, land use, building,
occupancy, licensing and other required governmental permits and
authorizations; and the Company's ability to control construction and
renovation costs and project completion schedules. In addition, the Company's
development plan is subject to numerous factors outside its control, including
competition for site acquisitions, shortages of, or the ability to obtain,
labor or materials, changes in applicable laws or regulations or in the method
of applying such laws and regulations, the failure of general contractors or
subcontractors to perform under their contracts, strikes and adverse weather.
The Company's business, financial condition and results of operations could be
materially and adversely affected if the Company is unable to achieve its
development plan.
 
  The Company does not currently have substantial internal development staff,
but it has retained third parties to locate suitable sites for new assisted
living communities and to handle other aspects of the development process on a
contractual basis. Final approval of all development sites is made by officers
of the Company. If the Company is unable to expand its development staff or
continue to retain third-party sources to assist in the development process,
the Company's ability to execute its development and growth plans and the
Company's business, financial condition and results of operations could be
materially and adversely affected.
 
  Increased Leverage and Risks of Indebtedness. In connection with the sale of
the Notes in the Note Offering, the Company incurred $143.75 million in
additional indebtedness and increased the ratio of its long-term debt to its
total capitalization to 57.0% at September 30, 1997 (after giving effect to
the net proceeds of the Note Offering). As a result of this increased
leverage, the Company's principal and interest obligations increased
substantially. The degree to which the Company is leveraged could adversely
affect the Company's ability to obtain additional financing for working
capital, acquisitions or other purposes and could make it more vulnerable to
economic downturns and competitive pressures. The Company's increased leverage
could also adversely affect its liquidity, as a substantial portion of
available cash from operations may have to be applied to meet debt service
requirements and, in the event of a cash shortfall, the Company could be
forced to reduce other expenditures and forego potential acquisitions to be
able to meet such requirements.
 
  The amount of debt and debt-related payments is expected to increase
substantially as the Company pursues its growth strategy. As a result, an
increasing portion of the Company's cash flow will be devoted to debt service
and related payments and the Company will be subject to risks normally
associated with increased financial leverage. There can be no assurance that
the Company will generate sufficient cash flows from operations to cover
required interest, principal and any operating lease payments.
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
  In August 1996, Atria entered into a $200.0 million bank credit facility (the
"Credit Facility") which has a maturity of four years and may be extended at
the option of the banks for one additional year. The obligations under the
Credit Facility are secured by substantially all of Atria's property, the
capital stock of its present and future principal subsidiaries and all
intercompany indebtedness owed to Atria by its subsidiaries. The Credit
Facility contains certain customary financial covenants and other restrictions.
 
  Under the terms of the operating agreement of Elder HealthCare, as amended,
Elder HealthCare will fund the development, construction and working capital
needs of its communities by use of third party financing. If such financing is
unavailable or insufficient to cover all of the construction and start-up costs
associated with any of such communities, Atria will extend the necessary funds
or guarantees to Elder HealthCare. Assisted Care Developers has agreed to
indemnify the Company for up to 90.0% of any loss suffered by Atria as a result
of the default of Elder HealthCare on any loan either extended or guaranteed by
Atria. The Company will manage communities developed or acquired by Elder
HealthCare from the day they commence operations. The Company may exercise its
option to purchase a community only after the community's operations become
profitable. If the Company fails to exercise its option, Elder HealthCare will
not be obligated to obtain new financing to replace any financing provided by
Atria.
 
  Subordination. The Notes are unsecured and subordinated in right of payment
in full to all existing and future Senior Indebtedness. Under the Indenture (as
defined), the Notes are subordinated to the Company's long-term debt and
capital leases and any amount outstanding under the Credit Facility. As a
result of such subordination, in the event of any insolvency, liquidation or
reorganization of the Company or upon acceleration of the Notes due to an Event
of Default (as defined in the Indenture), the assets of the Company will be
available to pay obligations of the Notes and any other subordinated
indebtedness of the Company only after all Senior Indebtedness has been paid in
full, and there may not be sufficient assets remaining to pay amounts due on
any or all of the Notes and any other subordinated indebtedness of the Company
then outstanding. The Indenture does not prohibit or limit the incurrence of
Senior Indebtedness or the incurrence of other indebtedness and other
liabilities by the Company. The incurrence of such indebtedness could adversely
affect the Company's ability to pay its obligations under the Notes. At
September 30, 1997, the Company had approximately $108.2 million of
indebtedness outstanding that would have constituted Senior Indebtedness and
had an additional $88.8 million available under its $200.0 million line of
credit.
 
  The Company's ability to meet its cash obligations in the future will be
dependent upon the ability of its subsidiaries to make cash distributions to
the Company. The ability of its subsidiaries to make distributions to the
Company is and will continue to be restricted by, among other limitations,
applicable provisions of state law and contractual provisions. The Indenture
does not limit the ability of the Company's subsidiaries to incur such
restriction in the future. The right of the Company to participate in the
assets of any subsidiary (and thus the ability of holders of the Notes to
benefit indirectly from such assets) is generally subject to the prior claims
of creditors, including trade creditors, of that subsidiary except to the
extent that the Company is recognized as a creditor of such subsidiary, in
which case the Company's claim would be subject to any security interest of
other creditors of such subsidiary. The Notes, therefore, are structurally
subordinated to creditors, including trade creditors, of subsidiaries of the
Company with respect to the assets of the subsidiaries against which such
creditors have a claim.
 
  Risks of Rising Interest Rates. At September 30, 1997, $61.3 million in
principal amount of the Company's indebtedness bore interest at floating rates.
In addition, other indebtedness that the Company may incur in the future may
also bear interest at a floating rate. Therefore, increases in prevailing
interest rates could increase the Company's interest payment obligations and
could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial
condition and results of operation.
 
  Restrictions Associated with Bond and HUD Financing. At September 30, 1997,
ten of the Company's assisted living and independent living communities
(containing 1,449 units) had been financed in whole or in part by industrial
revenue bonds or HUD financing. Under the terms of the HUD financing, the
Company is required to obtain HUD approval prior to taking certain actions,
including raising prices. In addition, under the terms of the bonds, the
Company is required to rent approximately 250 assisted and independent living
units to individuals who have incomes which are 80.0% or less of the average
income levels in a designated market. In
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
certain cases, the Company's ability to increase prices in communities with
such bond financing (in response to higher operating costs or other
inflationary factors) could be limited if it affects the ability of the Company
to attract and retain residents with qualifying incomes. Failure to satisfy
these requirements constitutes an event of default and could accelerate the
maturity dates of these financings. At September 30, 1997, outstanding amounts
under these financings totaled $69.4 million. The Company does not presently
expect to seek additional industrial revenue bond or HUD financing. However,
the Company may assume financing of these types pursuant to acquisitions of
additional facilities.
 
  Consequences of Default. There can be no assurance that the Company will
generate sufficient cash flows from operations to cover required interest,
principal and operating lease payments. Any payment or other default could
cause the lender to foreclose upon the communities securing such indebtedness,
with a consequent loss of income and asset value to the Company. In certain
cases, indebtedness secured by a community is also secured by a pledge of the
Company's interests in the community. In the event of a default with respect to
any such indebtedness, the lender could avoid the judicial procedures required
to foreclose on real property by foreclosing on the pledge instead, thus
accelerating the lender's acquisition of the community. Further, because most
of the Company's mortgages contain cross-default and cross-collateralization
provisions, a default by the Company on one of its payment obligations could
adversely affect a significant number of the Company's other communities.
 
  Acquisition Risks; Difficulties of Integration. In addition to developing
additional assisted living communities, the Company currently plans to acquire
additional assisted living facilities or other properties that can be
repositioned as assisted living communities. See "Summary--Recent
Developments." There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to
integrate successfully the operations of these communities or institute
Company-wide systems and procedures to operate successfully the combined
enterprises. There can be no assurance that the Company's acquisition of
assisted living facilities will be completed at the rate currently expected, if
at all. The success of the Company's acquisitions will be determined by
numerous factors, including the Company's ability to identify suitable
acquisition candidates, competition for such acquisitions, the purchase price,
the financial performance of the communities after acquisition and the ability
of the Company to integrate effectively the operations of acquired communities.
A strategy of growth by acquisition also involves the risk of assuming unknown
or contingent liabilities of the acquired business, which could be material,
individually or in the aggregate. Any failure by the Company to identify
suitable candidates for acquisition, to integrate or operate acquired
communities effectively or to insulate itself from unwanted liabilities of
acquired communities may have a material adverse effect on the Company's
business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
  Limited History as a Stand-alone Company. Although the Company's predecessors
have operated assisted and independent living communities for over a decade,
the Company itself has only operated as a stand-alone company since August
1996. Prior to August 1997, the Company received certain administrative
services from Vencor, including finance and accounting, human resources, risk
management, legal, marketing and information systems support, pursuant to an
administrative services agreement dated August 19, 1996 (the "1996
Administrative Services Agreement"). Upon the expiration of this agreement in
August 1997, the Company and Vencor entered into an administrative services
agreement (the "New Administrative Services Agreement") with respect to
marketing, human resources and information systems support. The New
Administrative Services Agreement will expire on or before March 31, 1998.
Although there can be no assurance that upon termination of this agreement the
Company will have adequate staffing to perform the functions Vencor currently
performs for the Company, the Company is currently implementing plans to
insource most of these services, or contract with third parties for the
provision of these services. The costs associated with securing these services
from third parties or insourcing these services may exceed the costs associated
with obtaining these services from Vencor.
 
  Principal Stockholder. Vencor currently holds 42.8% of the outstanding Common
Stock and, accordingly, is in a position to influence significantly the
management and operations of the Company. Three of the eight directors are
officers or directors of Vencor and only three directors of the Company are
independent directors who are not Vencor affiliates or employees of the
Company. Vencor has entered into a Voting Agreement
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
pursuant to which it has agreed to vote all of its shares of Common Stock at
any meeting at which directors are elected in favor of the election of
independent directors so that after such election, if such persons are elected,
there will be at least two independent directors. The Voting Agreement
continues in effect until August 2001 so long as Vencor beneficially owns 30%
or more of the Common Stock. The concentration of ownership in Vencor may have
a limiting effect on the price and trading volume of the Common Stock and may
inhibit changes in control of the Company.
 
  Relationship with Vencor; Conflicts of Interest. Certain directors and
officers of Vencor, who are also directors of the Company, and Vencor, as the
Company's principal stockholder, have conflicts of interest with respect to
certain transactions concerning the Company. When the interests of Vencor and
the Company diverge, Vencor may exercise its influence in its own best
interests. The Company anticipates resolving potential conflicts of interest on
a case-by-case basis, which may include the use of committees comprised of
disinterested members of the Board of Directors and the retention of
independent financial and other advisors. Transactions between the Company and
its officers, directors, principal stockholders and their affiliates will be on
terms no less favorable to the Company than could be obtained from unrelated
third parties and any such transactions will be subject to approval by a
majority of the disinterested members of the Board of Directors.
 
  The Company and Vencor entered into certain agreements, including the 1996
Administrative Services Agreement, an Incorporation Agreement, a Tax Sharing
Agreement, a Registration Rights Agreement, a Guaranty Fee Agreement and
certain Services Agreements (the "Vencor Agreements"), in connection with the
Contribution Transaction (as defined). These agreements specified certain
services to be provided to the Company by Vencor. For example, prior to August
1997, Vencor provided certain administrative services to the Company, including
finance and accounting, human resources, risk management, legal, marketing and
information systems for an annual fee to Vencor approximating $458,000. The
1996 Administrative Services Agreement was terminated in August 1997. Under the
New Administrative Services Agreement, Vencor is providing marketing, human
resources and information systems support to the Company for a monthly fee of
$17,033. Pursuant to the Incorporation Agreement, the Company paid Vencor
$150,000 for its assistance in connection with the IPO. The maximum guaranty
fee that the Company intends to pay Vencor in connection with the Guaranty Fee
Agreement is $1,125,000 per year. Except for the New Administrative Services
Agreement, these agreements were negotiated by officers of Vencor and the
Company while the Company was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vencor. Accordingly,
there is no assurance that (i) the terms and conditions of these arrangements
are as favorable to the Company as those the Company could have obtained from
unaffiliated third parties; or (ii) such arrangements will not be terminated or
modified in the future. Although Vencor has advised the Company that it does
not intend to compete with the Company, the Vencor Agreements do not contain
any covenant not to compete or similar restrictions prohibiting Vencor from
developing or acquiring and operating its own assisted or independent living
facilities.
 
  Need for Additional Financing. To achieve its growth objectives, the Company
will need to obtain substantial additional financing to fund its development,
construction and acquisition activities. The Company currently estimates that
the net proceeds from the Note Offering, together with existing capital
resources and financing commitments, will be sufficient to fund its development
and acquisition program through mid-1999. There can be no assurance, however,
that the Company will not be required to obtain additional capital at an
earlier date. The Company may from time to time seek additional financing
through public or private financing sources, including equity or debt
financing. If additional funds are raised by issuing equity securities, the
Company's stockholders may experience dilution. There can be no assurance that
adequate funding will be available as needed or on terms acceptable to the
Company. Insufficient financial resources may require the Company to delay or
eliminate all or some of its development projects and acquisition plans, which
could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial
condition and results of operations.
 
  Variations in Operating Results. Although the Company has been profitable,
revenue growth or profitability may fluctuate on a quarterly or annual basis in
the future. The Company may experience variations in quarterly and annual
operating results. Quarterly or annual variations may result from the timing of
opening new communities and the rate at which certain occupancy levels are
achieved. The Company's operating results for
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
any particular quarter or year may not be indicative of results for future
periods. See "--Financial Risks Associated with Expansion Program."
 
  Management of Planned Rapid Growth. The Company's success will depend, in
part, on its ability to manage its planned rapid growth. The Company does not
presently have the staff necessary to manage its planned growth and relies on
Vencor to provide certain internal management functions. The Company will need
to expand its operational, financial and management information systems and
continue to attract, motivate and retain key employees. If the Company does not
manage its growth effectively, its business, financial condition and results of
operation could be materially and adversely affected. See "--Limited History as
a Stand-alone Company" and "--Relationship with Vencor; Conflicts of Interest."
 
  Dependence on Private Pay Residents. The Company currently relies, and in the
foreseeable future expects to rely, primarily on the ability of residents to
pay for the Company's services from their own financial resources. In the event
that managed care becomes a significant factor in the assisted living industry,
the amount that the Company receives for its services could be adversely
affected. In addition, inflation or other circumstances that adversely affect
the ability of the elderly to pay for the Company's services could have a
material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and
results of operations.
 
  Competition. The assisted living industry is highly competitive. The Company
faces competition from numerous local, regional, and national providers of
assisted living and long-term care services. The Company also competes with
companies providing home-based health care. Some of the Company's competitors
operate on a not-for-profit basis or as charitable organizations. Also, many of
the Company's competitors are significantly larger and have greater financial
resources than the Company. The Company believes that the assisted living
industry will become even more competitive in the future. Regulatory barriers
to entry into the assisted living industry are generally not substantial. If
the development of new assisted living facilities surpasses the demand for such
facilities in particular markets, such markets may become saturated. The
Company also expects to compete for acquisitions of additional assisted living
facilities and properties. There can be no assurance that competition will not
limit the Company's ability to attract residents or expand its business or have
a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition or
results of operations.
 
  Government Regulation. The health care industry is subject to extensive
Federal, state and local regulation and frequent regulatory change. At this
time, Federal laws or regulations specifically regulating assisted or
independent living facilities have not yet been enacted. However, the Company's
communities are subject to regulation, licensing, certificate of need
requirements and permitting by many state and local health and social service
agencies and other regulatory authorities. Requirements vary from state to
state. Changes in existing laws and regulations, adoption of new laws and
regulations and new interpretations of existing laws and regulations could have
an adverse impact on the Company's operations. The Company believes that such
regulation will increase in the future. In addition, health care providers are
receiving increased scrutiny under anti-trust laws as the integration and
consolidation of health care delivery increases and affects competition.
Regulation of the assisted living industry is evolving. The Company is unable
to predict the content of new regulations and their effect on its business.
There can be no assurance that the Company's operations will not be adversely
affected by regulatory developments. Failure by the Company to comply with
applicable regulatory requirements could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
  Federal and state fraud and abuse or anti-self-referral statutes and
regulations, such as Medicare/Medicaid anti-kickback laws, Stark I and II,
certain provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
of 1997 and the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 govern certain financial
arrangements among health care providers and others who may be in a position to
refer or recommend patients to such providers. These laws prohibit, among other
things, certain direct and indirect payments that are intended to induce the
referral of patients to, the arranging for services by, or the recommending of,
a particular provider of health care items or services. Vencor and other health
care providers offer certain services to residents of the Company's
communities. Fraud and abuse oversight is increasing and the application of
these laws has been expanded to include payors beyond Medicare and Medicaid,
such as indemnity insurers, managed care organizations and other private
payors. These laws have been broadly interpreted to apply to certain
relationships between health care providers and sources of
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
 
patient referral. These laws and regulations are extremely complex and have
been the subject of little judicial or regulatory interpretation. Similarly,
state laws vary, are sometimes vague and have seldom been interpreted by
courts or regulatory agencies. Violation of these laws can result in loss of
licensure, civil and criminal penalties and exclusion of health care providers
or suppliers from participation in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. There
can be no assurance that such laws will be interpreted in a manner consistent
with the practices of the Company.
 
  Under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, all places of public
accommodation are required to meet certain Federal requirements related to
access and use by disabled persons. A number of additional Federal, state and
local laws exist which also may require modifications to existing and planned
properties to create access to the properties by disabled persons. While the
Company believes that its properties are substantially in compliance with
present requirements or are exempt therefrom, if required changes involve a
greater expenditure than anticipated or must be made on a more accelerated
basis than anticipated, additional costs would be incurred by the Company.
Further legislation may impose additional burdens or restrictions with respect
to access by disabled persons, the costs of compliance with which could be
substantial.
 
  Labor Costs. The Company competes with various health care providers and
other employers for qualified and skilled personnel. The Company's labor costs
will increase over time. The Company's business, financial condition and
results of operation could be adversely affected if the Company is unable to
control its labor costs.
 
  Environmental Risks. Under various Federal, state and local environmental
laws, ordinances and regulations, a current or previous owner or operator of
real property may be held liable for the cost of removal or remediation of
certain hazardous or toxic substances that may be located on, in or under the
property. These laws and regulations may impose liability regardless of the
owner's or operator's responsibility for or knowledge of the presence of the
hazardous or toxic substances. The liability of the owner or operator and the
cost of any required remediation or removal of hazardous or toxic substances
could exceed the property's value. In connection with the ownership or
operation of its communities, the Company could be liable for these costs. As
a result, the presence of hazardous or toxic substances at any property held
or operated by the Company or acquired or operated by the Company in the
future could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business,
financial condition and results of operations.
 
  Liability and Insurance. In recent years, the long-term care industry has
experienced an increase in the number of lawsuits alleging negligence and
other legal theories, many of which involve significant costs and substantial
claims. The Company maintains insurance policies in amounts and with such
coverage as it deems appropriate for its operations. There can be no
assurance, however, that the Company will be able to continue to obtain
sufficient liability insurance coverage in the future or that such coverage
will be available on acceptable terms. A successful claim in excess of the
Company's coverage or not covered by the Company's insurance could have a
material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and
results of operations. Claims against the Company, regardless of their merit
or outcome, may involve significant legal costs and require management to
devote considerable time that would otherwise be utilized in the operation of
the Company.
 
  Limitation on Repurchase of Notes upon Change in Control. Upon the
occurrence of a Change in Control, each holder of Notes may require the
Company to repurchase all or a portion of such holder's Notes. If a Change in
Control were to occur, there could be no assurance that the Company would have
sufficient financial resources, or would be able to arrange financing, to pay
the repurchase price for all Notes tendered by holders thereof. The Company's
ability to repurchase the Notes in such event may be limited by law, the
Indenture or the terms of other agreements relating to borrowings that
constitute Senior Indebtedness, as such agreements may be entered into,
replaced, supplemented or amended from time to time. The Company may be
required to refinance Senior Indebtedness in order to make any such payment.
If the Company is prohibited from repurchasing the Notes, such failure would
constitute an Event of Default under the Indenture which may, in turn,
constitute a further default under the Company's existing or future agreements
relating to other indebtedness. In such circumstances, the subordination
provisions in the Indenture would prohibit payments to the holders of the
Notes. Furthermore, the Company may not have the financial ability to
repurchase the Notes in the event that maturity of Senior
 
                                      11
<PAGE>
 
Indebtedness is accelerated as a result of a default under the applicable loan
or similar agreement relating to such Senior Indebtedness. See "Description of
Notes--Repurchase at Option of Holders upon Change in Control."
 
  Anti-Takeover Provisions. The Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation
and Amended and Restated By-laws, as well as Delaware corporate law, contain
certain provisions that could have the effect of making it more difficult for a
third party to acquire, or of discouraging a third party from attempting to
acquire, or take control of the Company. These provisions could limit the price
that certain investors might be willing to pay for shares of Common Stock.
Certain of these provisions allow the Company to issue, without stockholder
approval, preferred stock having voting rights senior to those of the Common
Stock. Other provisions impose various procedural and other requirements that
could make it more difficult for stockholders to effect certain corporate
actions. In addition, the Board of Directors is divided into three classes,
each of which serves for a staggered three-year term, which may make it more
difficult for a third party to gain control of the Board of Directors. As a
Delaware corporation, the Company is subject to Section 203 of the Delaware
General Corporation Law which, in general, prevents an interested stockholder
(defined generally as a person owning 15.0% or more of a corporation's
outstanding voting stock) from engaging in a business combination for three
years following the date such person became an interested stockholder unless
certain conditions are satisfied. As a result, third parties may be discouraged
from attempting to acquire or take control of the Company. See "--Principal
Stockholder."
 
  Possible Volatility of Notes and Common Stock Price. The stock market has
experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have particularly
affected the market price for many health care related companies and that have
often been unrelated to the operating performance of these companies. These
broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of the Notes
and the Common Stock.
 
  Absence of Public Market for the Notes and Restrictions on Resale. The Notes
are currently eligible for trading by qualified buyers in the PORTAL market.
The Company does not intend to list the Notes on any national securities
exchange or seek approval for quotation of the Notes on the Nasdaq National
Market. Although the initial purchasers in the Note Offering have informed the
Company that they currently intend to make a market in the Notes, they are not
obligated to do so, and any such market making may be discontinued at any time
without notice. In addition, market-making activity is subject to the limits
imposed by the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") and
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act").
Accordingly, there can be no assurance as to the development or liquidity of
any market for the Notes.
 
                        THE COMPANY AND ITS PREDECESSORS
 
  The Company was incorporated in Delaware on May 1, 1996 as a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Vencor. Vencor operates an integrated network of health care
services primarily focusing on the needs of the elderly. Concurrent with the
completion of the IPO, Vencor contributed to the Company substantially all of
its assisted and independent living communities in exchange for 10,000,000
shares of Common Stock and the Company assumed certain liabilities related to
such communities (the "Contribution Transaction").
 
  On September 28, 1995, Vencor consummated a merger (the "Hillhaven Merger")
with The Hillhaven Corporation ("Hillhaven"). Prior to the Hillhaven Merger,
Hillhaven and its subsidiaries operated most of the communities that were
transferred from Vencor to the Company in connection with the IPO. Also, prior
to the Hillhaven Merger, Hillhaven consummated a share exchange (the
"Nationwide Exchange") with Nationwide Care, Inc. ("Nationwide") on June 30,
1995, whereby Hillhaven acquired four of these communities.
 
  The Company's executive offices are located at 515 West Market Street,
Louisville, Kentucky 40202, and its telephone number is (502) 596-7540.
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
  The Notes and the underlying shares of Common Stock are offered by the
Selling Securityholders and, accordingly, the Company will not receive any of
the proceeds from the sales thereof.
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
 
                             DESCRIPTION OF NOTES
 
  The Notes were issued under an indenture dated as of October 16, 1997 (the
"Indenture"), between the Company and PNC Bank, Kentucky, Inc., as Trustee
(the "Trustee"). Copies of the Indenture and the related registration rights
agreement between the Company and the initial purchasers in the Note Offering
(the "Registration Rights Agreement") have been filed as exhibits to the
Registration Statement. The following summaries of certain provisions of the
Notes, the Indenture and the Registration Rights Agreement do not purport to
be complete and are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by
reference to, all the provisions of the Notes, the Indenture and the
Registration Rights Agreement, including the definitions therein of certain
terms which are not otherwise defined in this Prospectus. Wherever particular
provisions or defined terms of the Indenture (or of the form of Note which is
a part thereof) or the Registration Rights Agreement are referred to, such
provisions or defined terms are incorporated herein by reference.
 
GENERAL
 
  The Notes represent unsecured general obligations of the Company subordinate
in right of payment to certain other obligations of the Company as described
under "--Subordination of Notes," and convertible into Common Stock as
described under "--Conversion of Notes." The Notes are limited to $143,750,000
in aggregate principal amount, were issued only in denominations of $1,000 or
any multiple thereof and mature on October 15, 2002, unless earlier redeemed
at the option of the Company or repurchased by the Company at the option of
the holder upon a Change in Control.
 
  The Indenture does not contain any financial covenants or any restrictions
on the payment of dividends, the incurrence of Senior Indebtedness or the
issuance or repurchase of securities of the Company. The Indenture contains no
covenants or other provisions to afford protection to holders of Notes in the
event of a highly leveraged transaction or a Change in Control of the Company
except to the extent described under "--Repurchase at Option of Holders upon
Change in Control."
 
  The Notes bear interest at the annual rate set forth on the cover page
hereof on the original date of issuance, payable on April 15 and October 15,
commencing on April 15, 1998, to holders of record at the close of business on
April 1 and October 1, respectively (other than with respect to a Note or
portion thereof called for redemption on a redemption date, or repurchased in
connection with a Change in Control on a Repurchase Date (as defined below),
during the period from the Record Date to (but excluding) the next succeeding
Interest Payment Date (in which case accrued interest shall be payable to the
extent required to the holder of the Note or portion thereof redeemed or
repurchased) or converted after the Record Date and before the next succeeding
Interest Payment Date except to the extent that, at the time such Note or
portion thereof is submitted for conversion, such Note or portion thereof was
required to be accompanied by funds equal to the amount of interest payable on
such succeeding Interest Payment Date on the principal amount so converted
(see "--Conversion of Notes" below)). Interest may, at the Company's option,
be paid at the Trustee's corporate trust office or by check mailed to such
holders at the addresses set forth upon the registry books of the Company.
Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve
30-day months.
 
  Principal and premium, if any, will be payable, and the Notes may be
presented for conversion, registration of transfer and exchange, without
service charge, at the office of the Company maintained for such purpose in
New York, New York, which shall initially be the office or agency of the
Trustee.
 
  The Indenture and the Registration Rights Agreement are governed by and will
be construed under the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
 
CONVERSION OF NOTES
 
  The holders of Notes will be entitled at any time on or after the 90th day
following the latest date of initial issuance of the Notes and prior to the
close of business on the final maturity date of the Notes, subject to prior
redemption or repurchase, to convert any Notes or portions thereof (in
denominations of $1,000 or multiples
 
                                      13
<PAGE>
 
thereof) into Common Stock, at the conversion price set forth on the cover page
of this Prospectus, subject to adjustment as described below. Except as
described below, no adjustment will be made on conversion of any Notes for
interest accrued thereon or for dividends on any Common Stock issued upon
conversion of the Notes.
 
  In the event a Note is called for redemption on or after October 15, 2000 and
before April 15, 2001 and the holder elects to convert such Note after it has
been called for redemption, the holder will be entitled to receive interest on
such Note for the period from April 15, 2000 through October 15, 2000 in
addition to any rights such holder may have upon conversion of the Notes. If
any Notes not called for redemption are converted after a Record Date for the
payment of interest and prior to the next succeeding Interest Payment Date,
such Notes must be accompanied by funds equal to the interest payable on such
succeeding Interest Payment Date on the principal amount so converted. No such
payment will be required if the Company exercises its right to redeem such
Notes on a redemption date that is an Interest Payment Date. The Company is not
required to issue fractional shares of Common Stock upon conversion of Notes
and, in lieu thereof, will pay a cash adjustment based upon the market price of
the Common Stock on the last Trading Day (as defined) prior to the date of
conversion. In the case of Notes called for redemption, conversion rights will
expire at the close of business on the fifth business day preceding the date
fixed for redemption, unless the Company defaults in payment of the redemption
price. A Note in respect of which a holder is exercising its option to require
repurchase upon a Change in Control may be converted only if such holder
withdraws its election to exercise its option in accordance with the terms of
the Indenture.
 
  The initial conversion price of $20.864 per share of Common Stock is subject
to adjustment (under formulae set forth in the Indenture) in certain events,
including: (i) the issuance of Common Stock as a dividend or distribution on
Common Stock; (ii) certain subdivisions and combinations of the Common Stock;
(iii) the issuance to all holders of Common Stock of certain rights or warrants
to purchase Common Stock; (iv) the distribution to all holders of Common Stock
of shares of capital stock of the Company (other than Common Stock) or
evidences of indebtedness of the Company or assets (including securities, but
excluding those rights, warrants, dividends and distributions referred to above
and dividends and distributions in connection with the liquidation, dissolution
or winding up of the Company or paid in cash); (v) dividends or other
distributions consisting exclusively of cash (excluding any cash portion of
distributions referred to in clause (iv)) to all holders of Common Stock to the
extent that such distributions, combined together with (A) all other such all-
cash distributions made within the preceding 12 months in respect of which no
adjustment has been made plus (B) any cash and the fair market value of other
consideration payable in respect of any tender offers by the Company for Common
Stock concluded within the preceding 12 months in respect of which no
adjustment has been made, exceeds 10.0% of the Company's market capitalization
(being the product of the then-current market price of the Common Stock
multiplied by the number of shares of Common Stock then outstanding on the
Record Date for such distribution); (vi) the purchase of Common Stock pursuant
to a tender offer made by the Company or any of its subsidiaries to the extent
that the same involves an aggregate consideration that, together with (X) any
cash and the fair market value of any other consideration payable in any other
tender offer by the Company or any of its subsidiaries for Common Stock
expiring within the 12 months preceding such tender offer in respect of which
no adjustment has been made plus (Y) the aggregate amount of any such all-cash
distributions referred to in clause (v) above to all holders of Common Stock
within the 12 months preceding the expiration of such tender offer in respect
of which no adjustments have been made, exceeds 10% of the Company's market
capitalization on the expiration of such tender offer; and (vii) payment in
respect of a tender offer or exchange offer by a person other than the Company
or any subsidiary of the Company in which, as of the closing date of the offer,
the Board of Directors is not recommending rejection of the offer. If an
adjustment is required to be made as set forth in clause (v) above as a result
of a distribution that is not a quarterly dividend, such adjustment would be
based upon the full amount of the distribution. The adjustment referred to in
clause (vii) above will only be made if the tender offer or exchange offer is
for an amount which increases that person's ownership of Common Stock to more
than 25.0% of the total shares of Common Stock outstanding and if the cash and
value of any other consideration included in such payment per share of Common
Stock exceeds the Current Market Price per share of Common Stock on the
business day next succeeding the last date on which tenders or exchanges may be
made pursuant to such tender or exchange offer. The adjustment referred to in
clause (vii)
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
 
above will not be made, however, if, as of the closing of the offer, the
offering documents with respect to such offer disclose a plan or an intention
to cause the Company to engage in a consolidation or merger of the Company or a
sale of the Company's assets, as an entirety or substantially as an entirety.
 
  In addition, the Indenture provides that if the Company implements a
stockholders' rights plan, such rights plan must provide that, upon conversion
of the Notes, the holders will receive, in addition to the Common Stock
issuable upon such conversion, such rights whether or not such rights have
separated from the Common Stock at the time of such conversion.
 
  No adjustment in the conversion price will be required unless such adjustment
would require a change of at least 1% in the conversion price then in effect,
provided that any adjustment that would otherwise be required to be made shall
be carried forward and taken into account in any subsequent adjustment. Except
as stated above, the conversion price will not be adjusted for the issuance of
Common Stock or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for Common
Stock or carrying the right to purchase any of the foregoing.
 
  In the case of (i) any reclassification or change of the Common Stock or (ii)
a consolidation, merger or combination involving the Company or a sale or
conveyance to another person of the property and assets of the Company as an
entirety or substantially as an entirety, in each case as a result of which
holders of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive stock, other securities,
other property or assets (including cash) with respect to or in exchange for
such Common Stock, the holders of the Notes then outstanding will be entitled
thereafter to convert such Notes into the kind and amount of shares of stock,
other securities or other property or assets which they would have owned or
been entitled to receive upon such reclassification, change, consolidation,
merger, combination, sale or conveyance had such Notes been converted into
Common Stock immediately prior to such reclassification, change, consolidation,
merger, combination, sale or conveyance assuming that a holder of Notes would
not have exercised any rights of election as to the stock, other securities or
other property or assets receivable in connection therewith.
 
  In the event of a taxable distribution to holders of Common Stock (or other
transaction) which results in any adjustment of the conversion price, the
holders of Notes may, in certain circumstances, be deemed to have received a
distribution subject to United States income tax as a dividend; in certain
other circumstances, the absence of such an adjustment may result in a taxable
dividend to the holders of Common Stock. See "Certain Federal Income Tax
Considerations."
 
  The Company from time to time may, to the extent permitted by law, reduce the
conversion price of the Notes by any amount for any period of at least 20 days,
in which case the Company shall give at least 15 days' notice of such decrease,
if the Board of Directors has made a determination that such decrease would be
in the best interests of the Company, which determination shall be conclusive.
See "Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations." The Company may, at its
option, make such reductions in the conversion price, in addition to those set
forth above, as the Board of Directors deems advisable to avoid or diminish any
income tax to holders of Common Stock resulting from any dividend or
distribution of stock (or rights to acquire stock) or from any event treated as
such for income tax purposes. See "Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations."
 
OPTIONAL REDEMPTION BY THE COMPANY
 
  The Notes are not entitled to any sinking fund. At any time on or after
October 15, 2000, all or any part of the Notes will be redeemable at the
Company's option on at least 15 but not more than 60 days' notice, as a whole
or, from time to time in part, at the following prices (expressed in
percentages of the principal amount), together with accrued interest to, but
excluding, the date fixed for redemption.
 
  If redeemed during the 12-month period beginning October 15:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            REDEMPTION
             YEAR                             PRICE
             ----                           ----------
             <S>                            <C>
             2000..........................    102%
             2001..........................    101%
</TABLE>
 
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
 
and 100% at October 15, 2002, provided that any semi-annual payment of interest
becoming due on the date fixed for redemption shall be payable in respect of
the Notes being redeemed to the holders of record of such Notes on the
immediately preceding Record Date.
 
  If fewer than all the Notes are to be redeemed, the Trustee will select the
Notes to be redeemed in principal amounts of $1,000 or multiples thereof by lot
or, in its discretion, on a pro rata basis. If any Note is to be redeemed in
part only, a new Note or Notes in principal amount equal to the unredeemed
principal portion thereof will be issued. If a portion of a holder's Notes is
selected for partial redemption and such holder converts a portion of such
Notes, such converted portion shall be deemed to be taken from the portion
selected for redemption.
 
REPURCHASE AT OPTION OF HOLDERS UPON CHANGE IN CONTROL
 
  The Indenture provides that if a Change in Control occurs, each holder of
Notes shall have the right to require the Company to repurchase all of such
holder's Notes, or any portion of the principal amount thereof that is an
integral multiple of $1,000, on the date (the "Repurchase Date") that is 30
days after the date of the Company Notice (as defined), for cash at a price
equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof (the "Repurchase Price"),
together with accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the Repurchase
Date, provided that any semi-annual payment of interest becoming due on the
Repurchase Date shall be payable to the holders of record on the relevant
Record Date of the Notes being repurchased.
 
  Within 15 days after the occurrence of a Change in Control, the Company or,
at the Company's request, the Trustee is obligated to mail to all holders of
record of Notes a notice (the "Company Notice") of the occurrence of such
Change in Control and of the repurchase right arising as a result thereof. The
Company must also deliver a copy of the Company Notice to the Trustee. To
exercise the repurchase right, a holder of such Notes must deliver to the
Trustee on or before the Repurchase Date written notice of the holder's
exercise of such right, together with the Notes with respect to which the right
is being exercised, duly endorsed for transfer to the Company.
 
  A "Change in Control" will be deemed to have occurred at such time after the
original issuance of the Notes as:
 
    (i) any Person (as defined) (including any syndicate or group deemed to
  be a "person" under Section 13(d) (3) of the Exchange Act), other than the
  Company, any subsidiary of the Company, or any employee benefit plan of the
  Company or any such subsidiary, is or becomes the beneficial owner,
  directly or indirectly, through a purchase or other acquisition transaction
  or series of transactions (other than a merger or consolidation involving
  the Company), of shares of capital stock of the Company entitling such
  Person to exercise in excess of 50.0% of the total voting power of all
  shares of capital stock of the Company entitled to vote generally in the
  election of directors;
 
    (ii) there occurs any consolidation of the Company with, or merger of the
  Company into, any other Person, any merger of another Person into the
  Company, or any sale or transfer of the assets of the Company, as an
  entirety or substantially as an entirety, to another Person (other than (a)
  any such transaction pursuant to which the holders of the Common Stock
  immediately prior to such transaction have, directly or indirectly, shares
  of capital stock of the continuing or surviving corporation immediately
  after such transaction which entitle such holders to exercise in excess of
  50.0% of the total voting power of all shares of capital stock of the
  continuing or surviving corporation entitled to vote generally in the
  election of directors and (b) any merger (1) which does not result in any
  reclassification, conversion, exchange or cancellation of outstanding
  shares of Common Stock or (2) which is effected solely to change the
  jurisdiction of incorporation of the Company and results in a
  reclassification, conversion or exchange of outstanding shares of Common
  Stock solely into shares of common stock and separate series of common
  stock carrying substantially the same relative rights as the Common Stock);
  or
 
    (iii) a change in the Board of Directors of the Company in which the
  individuals who constituted the Board of Directors of the Company at the
  beginning of the one-year period immediately preceding such
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
 
  change (together with any other director whose election by the Board of
  Directors of the Company or whose nomination for election by the
  stockholders of the Company was approved by a vote of at least a majority
  of the directors then in office either who were directors at the beginning
  of such period or whose election or nomination for election was previously
  so approved) cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the directors
  then in office;
 
provided, however, that a Change in Control shall not be deemed to have
occurred if either (a) the closing price per share of the Common Stock for any
ten Trading Days within the period of 20 consecutive Trading Days ending
immediately before the Change in Control shall equal or exceed 105.0% of the
conversion price in effect on each such Trading Day, or (b) (i) at least 90.0%
of the consideration (excluding cash payments for fractional shares) in the
transaction or transactions constituting the Change in Control consists of
shares of common stock with full voting rights traded on a national securities
exchange or quoted on the Nasdaq National Market (or which will be so traded or
quoted when issued or exchanged in connection with such Change in Control)
(such securities being referred to as "Publicly Traded Securities") and as a
result of such transaction or transactions such Notes become convertible solely
into such Publicly Traded Securities and (ii) the consideration in the
transaction or transactions constituting the Change in Control consists of
cash, Publicly Traded Securities or a combination of cash and Publicly Traded
Securities with an aggregate fair market value (which, in the case of Publicly
Traded Securities, shall be equal to the average closing price of such Publicly
Traded Securities during the ten consecutive Trading Days commencing with the
sixth Trading Day following consummation of the transaction or transactions
constituting the Change in Control) of at least 105.0% of the Conversion Price
in effect on the date immediately preceding the date of consummation of such
Change in Control. The term "beneficial owner" shall be determined in
accordance with Rule 13d-3 promulgated by the Commission under the Exchange
Act.
 
  To the extent applicable, the Company will comply with the provisions of Rule
13e-4 or any other tender offer rules, and will file a Schedule 13E-4 or any
other schedule required under such rules, in connection with any offer by the
Company to repurchase Notes upon a Change in Control.
 
  The Change in Control feature of the Notes may in certain circumstances make
more difficult or discourage a takeover of the Company and, thus, the removal
of incumbent management. The repurchase right is not the result of management's
knowledge of any effort to accumulate any Common Stock or to obtain control of
the Company by means of a merger, tender offer, solicitation or otherwise, or
part of a plan by management to adopt a series of anti-takeover provisions.
Instead, this right is the result of negotiations between the Company and the
initial purchasers in the Note Offering.
 
  The foregoing provisions would not necessarily afford holders of the Notes
protection in the event of a highly leveraged transaction, certain changes in
control of the Company or other transactions involving the Company that may
adversely affect holders.
 
  The Company's ability to repurchase Notes upon the occurrence of a Change in
Control is subject to limitations. If a Change in Control were to occur, there
could be no assurance that the Company would have sufficient financial
resources, or would be able to arrange financing, to pay the repurchase price
for all Notes tendered by holders thereof. In addition, the terms of certain of
the Company's then-existing debt agreements may prohibit the Company from
purchasing any Notes and also identify certain events that would constitute a
change in control, as well as certain other events with respect to the Company
or certain of its subsidiaries, which would constitute an event of default
under such debt agreements. Any future credit agreements or other agreements
related to other Indebtedness (including other Senior Indebtedness) to which
the Company becomes a party may contain similar restrictions and provisions. In
the event a Change in Control occurs at a time when the Company is prohibited
from repurchasing Notes, the Company could seek the consent of its lenders to
repurchase the Notes or could attempt to refinance the borrowings that contain
such prohibition. If the Company does not obtain such a consent or repay such
borrowings, the Company would remain prohibited from repurchasing Notes. Any
failure by the Company to repurchase the Notes when required following a Change
in Control would result in an Event of Default under the Indenture whether or
not such repurchase is permitted by
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
 
the subordination provisions of the Indenture. Any such default may, in turn,
cause a default under Senior Indebtedness of the Company. Moreover, the
occurrence of a Change in Control may cause an event of default under Senior
Indebtedness of the Company. As a result, in each such case, any repurchase of
the Notes would, absent a waiver, be prohibited under the subordination
provisions of the Indenture until the Senior Indebtedness is paid in full. See
"--Subordination of Notes" "Risk Factors--Subordination" and "Risk Factors--
Limitation on Repurchase of Notes upon Change in Control."
 
SUBORDINATION OF NOTES
 
  The Indebtedness evidenced by the Notes is subordinated to the extent
provided in the Indenture to the prior payment in full of all Senior
Indebtedness whether presently outstanding or hereafter incurred or created.
Upon any distribution of assets of the Company upon any dissolution, winding
up, liquidation or reorganization, the payment of the principal of, or premium,
if any, and interest on the Notes is to be subordinated to the extent provided
in the Indenture in right of payment to the prior payment, in full, in cash of
all Senior Indebtedness. In the event of any acceleration of the Notes because
of an Event of Default (as defined), the holders of any Senior Indebtedness
then outstanding would be entitled to payment in full in cash of all
obligations in respect of such Senior Indebtedness before the holders of the
Notes are entitled to receive any payment or distribution in respect thereof.
The Indenture requires that the Company promptly notify holders of Senior
Indebtedness if payment of the Notes is accelerated because of an Event of
Default.
 
  The Company also may not make any payment upon or in respect of the Notes if
(i) a default in the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, interest,
lease payment or other obligations in respect of Senior Indebtedness occurs and
is continuing beyond any applicable period of grace or (ii) any other default
occurs and is continuing with respect to Designated Senior Indebtedness (as
defined) that permits holders of the Designated Senior Indebtedness as to which
such default relates to accelerate its maturity and the Trustee receives a
notice of such default (a "Payment Blockage Notice") from the Company or other
person permitted to give such notice under the Indenture. Payments on the Notes
may and shall be resumed (a) in case of a payment default, upon the date on
which such default is cured or waived and (b) in case of a nonpayment default,
the earlier of the date on which such nonpayment default is cured or waived or
179 days after the date on which the applicable Payment Blockage Notice is
received if the maturity of such Designated Senior Indebtedness has not been
accelerated. No new period of payment blockage may be commenced pursuant to a
Payment Blockage Notice unless and until (i) 365 days have elapsed since the
initial effectiveness of the immediately prior Payment Blockage Notice and (ii)
all scheduled payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes
that have come due have been paid in full in cash. No nonpayment default that
existed or was continuing on the date of delivery of any Payment Blockage
Notice to the Trustee shall be, or be made, the basis for a subsequent Payment
Blockage Notice.
 
  By reason of the subordination provisions described above, in the event of
the Company's bankruptcy, dissolution or reorganization, holders of Senior
Indebtedness may receive more, ratably, and holders of the Notes may receive
less, ratably, than the other creditors of the Company. Such subordination will
not prevent the occurrence of any Event of Default under the Indenture.
 
  The term "Senior Indebtedness" means the principal of, premium, if any,
interest (including all interest accruing subsequent to the commencement of any
bankruptcy or similar proceeding, whether or not a claim for post-petition
interest is allowable as a claim in any such proceeding) and rent payable on or
in connection with, and all fees, costs, expenses and other amounts accrued or
due on or in connection with, Indebtedness of the Company, whether outstanding
on the date of the Indenture or thereafter created, incurred, assumed,
guaranteed or in effect guaranteed by the Company (including all deferrals,
renewals, extensions or refinancing of, or amendments, modifications or
supplements to, the foregoing), unless in the case of any particular
Indebtedness the instrument creating or evidencing the same or the assumption
or guarantee thereof expressly provides that such Indebtedness shall not be
senior in right of payment to the Notes or expressly provides that such
Indebtedness is "pari passu" or "junior" to the Notes. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the term Senior
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
 
Indebtedness shall not include any Indebtedness of the Company to any
Subsidiary (as defined in the Indenture) of the Company.
 
  The term "Indebtedness" means, with respect to any Person (as defined in the
Indenture), and without duplication, (a) the principal of and premium, if any,
and interest on, and fees, costs, enforcement expenses, collateral protection
expenses and other reimbursement or indemnity obligations in respect to all
indebtedness or obligations of the Company to any Person, including but not
limited to banks and other lending institutions, for money borrowed that is
evidenced by a note, bond, debenture, loan agreement, or similar instrument or
agreement (including purchase money obligations with original maturities in
excess of one year and noncontingent reimbursement obligations in respect of
amounts paid under letters of credit); (b) all reimbursement obligations and
other liabilities (contingent or otherwise) of such Person with respect to
letters of credit, bank guarantees or bankers' acceptances, (c) all obligations
and liabilities (contingent or otherwise) in respect of leases of such Person
required, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, to be
accounted for as capital lease obligations on the balance sheet of such Person,
(d) all obligations of such Person (contingent or otherwise) with respect to an
interest rate or other swap, cap or collar agreement or other similar
instrument or agreement or foreign currency hedge, exchange, purchase or
similar instrument or agreement, (e) all direct or indirect guaranties or
similar agreements by such Person in respect of, and obligations or liabilities
(contingent or otherwise) of such Person to purchase or otherwise acquire, or
otherwise assure a creditor against loss in respect of, indebtedness,
obligations or liabilities of another Person of the kind described in clauses
(a) through (d), (f) any indebtedness or other obligations, excluding any
operating leases the Company is currently (or may become) a party to, described
in clauses (a) through (d) secured by any mortgage, pledge, lien or other
encumbrance existing on property which is owned or held by such Person,
regardless of whether the indebtedness or other obligation secured thereby
shall have been assumed by such Person and (g) any and all deferrals, renewals,
extensions and refinancing of, or amendments, modifications or supplements to,
any indebtedness, obligation or liability of the kind described in clauses (a)
through (f).
 
  The term "Designated Senior Indebtedness" means the Company's indebtedness
outstanding from time to time under its revolving credit facility and any
particular Senior Indebtedness in which the instrument creating or evidencing
the same or the assumption or guarantee thereof (or related agreements or
documents to which the Company is a party) expressly provides that such Senior
Indebtedness shall be "Designated Senior Indebtedness" for purposes of the
Indenture (provided that such instrument, agreement or other document may place
limitations and conditions on the right of such Senior Indebtedness to exercise
the rights of Designated Senior Indebtedness).
 
  Any right of the Company to receive any assets of any of its subsidiaries
upon their liquidation or reorganization (and the consequent right of the
holders of the Notes to participate in those assets) will be effectively
subordinated to the claims of that subsidiary's creditors (including trade
creditors), except to the extent that the Company is itself recognized as a
creditor of such subsidiary, in which case the claims of the Company would
still be subordinate to any security interest in the assets of such subsidiary
and any indebtedness of such subsidiary senior to that held by the Company.
 
  At September 30, 1997, the Company had approximately $108.2 million of
indebtedness outstanding that would have constituted Senior Indebtedness and
had an estimated $88.8 million available under its $200.0 million line of
credit. The Indenture does not limit the amount of additional Indebtedness,
including Senior Indebtedness, which the Company can create, incur, assume or
guarantee, nor does the Indenture limit the amount of Indebtedness which any
Subsidiary can create, incur, assume or guarantee.
 
  In the event that, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Trustee or any holder
of Notes receives any payment or distribution of assets of the Company of any
kind in contravention of any of the subordination provisions of the Indenture,
whether in cash, property or securities, including, without limitation, by way
of set-off or otherwise, in respect of the Notes before all Senior Indebtedness
is paid in full, then such payment or distribution will be held by the
recipient in trust for the benefit of holders of Senior Indebtedness or their
representative or
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
 
representatives to the extent necessary to make payment in full of all Senior
Indebtedness remaining unpaid, after giving effect to any concurrent payment or
distribution, or provision therefor, to or for the holders of Senior
Indebtedness.
 
  The Company is obligated to pay reasonable compensation to the Trustee and to
indemnify the Trustee against any losses, liabilities or expenses incurred by
it in connection with its duties relating to the Notes. The Trustee's claims
for such payments will be senior to those of holders of the Notes in respect of
all funds collected or held by the Trustee.
 
EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES
 
  The following are Events of Default under the Indenture: (i) default in the
payment of any interest upon the Notes, continued for 30 days; (ii) default in
the payment of principal or premium, if any, upon the Notes when due or in the
payment of any redemption obligation; (iii) default by the Company or any
subsidiary with respect to its obligation to pay principal of or interest on
indebtedness for borrowed money, which default shall have resulted in
indebtedness aggregating more than $10.0 million; (iv) default by the Company
with respect to indebtedness for borrowed money, which default results in the
acceleration of such indebtedness in an amount exceeding $10.0 million, which
indebtedness has not been discharged or such acceleration has not been
rescinded or annulled for a period of ten days; (v) failure to perform any
other covenant or warranty of the Company, continued for 60 days after written
notice as provided in the Indenture; (vi) final judgments or orders are
rendered against the Company or any of its subsidiaries that require the
payment by the Company or any of its subsidiaries of an amount (to the extent
not covered by insurance) in excess of $10.0 million and such judgments or
orders remain unstayed or unsatisfied for more than 60 days and are not being
contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings; and (vii) certain events of
bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization with respect to the Company.
 
  The Indenture provides that if an Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing, the Trustee or the holders of not less than 25.0% in principal
amount of the Notes then outstanding may declare the principal of and accrued
interest on the Notes to be due and payable immediately, but if the Company
shall cure all defaults (except the nonpayment of principal of, premium, if
any, and interest on any of the Notes which shall have become due by
acceleration) and certain other conditions are met, with certain exceptions,
such declaration may be annulled and past defaults may be waived by the holders
of a majority of the principal amount of the Notes then outstanding. In the
case of certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency, the principal of and
accrued interest on the Notes shall automatically become and be immediately due
and payable.
 
  The holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding
shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any
proceedings for any remedy available to the Trustee, subject to certain
limitations specified in the Indenture.
 
MODIFICATIONS OF THE INDENTURE
 
  The Indenture contains provisions permitting the Company and the Trustee,
with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount
of the Notes at the time outstanding, to modify the Indenture or any
supplemental indenture or the rights of the holders of the Notes, except that
no such modification shall (i) extend the fixed maturity of any Note, reduce
the rate or extend the time of payment of interest thereon, reduce the
principal amount thereof or premium, if any, thereon, reduce any amount payable
upon redemption thereof, change the obligation of the Company to repurchase any
Note upon the occurrence of any Change in Control in a manner adverse to
holders of Notes, impair the right of a holder to institute suit for the
payment thereof, change the currency in which the Notes are payable, impair the
right to convert the Notes into Common Stock in any material respect or modify
the provisions of the Indenture with respect to the subordination of the Notes
in a manner adverse to the holders of the Notes in any material respect,
without the consent of the holder of each Note so affected, or (ii) reduce the
aforesaid percentage of Notes the holders of which are required to consent to
any such supplemental indenture, without the consent of the holders of all of
the Notes then outstanding.
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
 
BOOK ENTRY, DELIVERY AND FORM
 
  The Notes were issued in fully registered form, without coupons, in
denominations of $l,000 principal amount and multiples thereof.
 
  Global Note, Book-Entry Form. Notes held by qualified institutional buyers,
as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act ("QIBs"), and Notes held by
institutional "accredited investors" as defined in Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or
(7) are evidenced by one or more global Notes (the "U.S. Global Note") which
have been deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company, New
York, New York ("DTC") and registered in the name of Cede & Co. ("Cede") as
DTC's nominee. Notes held by persons who acquired such Notes in compliance
with Regulation S under the Securities Act ("Non-U.S. Persons") are evidenced
by one global Note (the "Regulation S Global Note"), which has been deposited
with, or on behalf of, DTC and registered in the name of Cede as DTC's
nominee, for the accounts of the Euroclear System ("Euroclear") or Cedel Bank,
societe anonyme ("Cedel"). Beneficial interests in the Regulation S Global
Note may be held through Euroclear or Cedel, and any resale or transfer of
such interests to U.S. persons shall only be permitted as described below. The
U.S. Global Note and the Regulation S Global Note are hereinafter collectively
referred to as the "Global Note." Except as set forth below, record ownership
of the Global Note may be transferred, in whole or in part, only to another
nominee of DTC or to a successor of DTC or its nominee.
 
  QIBs and institutional "accredited investors" may hold interests in the U.S.
Global Note directly through DTC, if such QIB or institutional "accredited
investor" is a participant in DTC, or indirectly through organizations which
are participants in DTC (the "Participants"). Transfers between Participants
will be effected in the ordinary way in accordance with DTC rules and will be
settled in same-day funds. The laws of some states require that certain
persons take physical delivery of securities in definitive form. Consequently,
the ability to transfer beneficial interest in the Global Note to such persons
may be limited.
 
  Non-U.S. Persons may hold their interest in the Regulation S Global Note
directly through Cedel or Euroclear or indirectly through organizations that
are participants in such systems. Cedel and Euroclear will hold interests in
the Regulation S Global Note on behalf of their participants through DTC.
Transfers between participants in Euroclear and Cedel will be effected in the
ordinary way in accordance with their respective rules and operating
procedures.
 
  QIBs and Non-U.S. Persons who are not Participants may beneficially own
interests in the Global Note held by DTC only through Participants, including
Euroclear and Cedel, or certain banks, brokers, dealers, trust companies and
other parties that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a
Participant, either directly or indirectly ("Indirect Participants"). So long
as Cede, as the nominee of DTC, is the registered owner of the Global Note,
Cede for all purposes will be considered the sole holder of the Global Note.
Except as provided below, owners of beneficial interests in the Global Note
will not be entitled to have certificates registered in their names, will not
receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of certificates in
definitive form and will not be considered holders thereof.
 
  Payment of interest on and the redemption price of the Global Note will be
made to Cede, the nominee of DTC, as the registered owner of the Global Note,
by wire transfer of immediately available funds on the applicable payment date
therefor. Neither the Company, the Trustee nor any paying agent will have any
responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or
payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in the Global Note
or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such
beneficial ownership interests.
 
  The Company has been informed by DTC that, with respect to any payment of
interest on, or the redemption price of, the Global Note, DTC's practice is to
credit Participants' accounts on the applicable payment date therefor with
payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in
the Notes represented by the Global Note, as shown on the records of DTC
(adjusted as necessary so that such payments are made with respect to whole
Notes only), unless DTC has reason to believe that it will not receive payment
on such
 
                                      21
<PAGE>
 
payment date. Payments by Participants to owners of beneficial interests in
Notes represented by the Global Note held through such Participants will be
the responsibility of such Participants, as is now the case with securities
held for the accounts of customers registered in "street name."
 
  Holders who desire to convert their Notes into Common Stock pursuant to the
terms of the Notes should contact their brokers or other Participants or
Indirect Participants to obtain information on procedures, including proper
forms and deadlines, for submitting such requests.
 
  Because DTC can only act on behalf of Participants, who in turn act on
behalf of Indirect Participants and certain banks, the ability of a person
having a beneficial interest in Notes represented by the Global Note to pledge
such interest to persons or entities that do not participate in the DTC
system, or otherwise, take actions in respect of such interest, may be
affected by the lack of a physical certificate evidencing such interest.
 
  Neither the Company nor the Trustee (or any registrar, paying agent or
conversion agent under the Indenture) has any responsibility for the
performance by DTC or its Participants or Indirect Participants of their
respective obligations under the rules and procedures governing their
operations. DTC has advised the Company that it will take any action permitted
to be taken by a holder of Notes (including, without limitation, the
presentation of Notes for exchange as described below), only at the direction
of one or more Participants to whose account DTC interests in the Global Note
are credited and only in respect of the principal amount of the Notes
represented by the Global Note as to which such Participant or Participants
has or have given such direction.
 
  DTC has advised the Company as follows: DTC is a limited purpose trust
company organized under the laws of the State of New York, a "banking
organization" within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member of the
Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the meaning of the New
York Uniform Commercial Code and a "clearing agency" registered pursuant to
the provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC holds securities for
its Participants. DTC also facilitates the clearance and settlement among
Participants of securities transactions, such as transfers and pledges, in
deposited securities through electronic book-entry changes to accounts of its
Participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of
certificates. Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks,
trust companies and clearing corporations and may include certain other
organizations such as the initial purchasers in the Note Offering. Certain of
such Participants (or their representatives), together with other entities,
own DTC. Indirect access to the DTC system is available to others such as
banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through, or maintain a
custodial relationship, with, a Participant, either directly or indirectly.
The rules applicable to DTC and its Participants are on file with the
Commission.
 
  Although DTC, Euroclear and Cedel have agreed to the foregoing procedures in
order to facilitate transfers of interests in the Global Note among
Participants of DTC, Euroclear and Cedel, they are under no obligation to
perform or continue to perform such procedures, and such procedures may be
discontinued at any time. If DTC is at any time unwilling or unable to
continue as depository and a successor depository is not appointed by the
Company within 90 days, the Company will cause Notes to be issued in
definitive form in exchange for the Global Note. None of the Company, the
Trustee nor any of their respective agents will have any responsibility for
the performance by DTC, Euroclear and Cedel, their participants or Indirect
Participants of their respective obligations under the rules and procedures
governing their operations, including maintaining, supervising or reviewing
the records relating to, or payments made on account of, beneficial ownership
interests in Global Notes.
 
  Certificated Notes. Subject to certain conditions, any person having a
beneficial interest in the Global Note may, upon request to the Trustee,
exchange such beneficial interest for Notes in certificated form
("Certificated Securities"). Upon any such issuance, the Trustee is required
to register such Certificated Securities in the name of, and cause the same to
be delivered to, such person or persons (or the nominee of any thereof).
Certificated Notes may be issued in exchange for Notes represented by the
Global Note if no successor depository is appointed by the Company as set
forth above under "--Global Note, Book Entry Form."
 
                                      22
<PAGE>
 
REGISTRATION RIGHTS
 
  Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company has agreed to
file with the Commission the shelf registration statement of which this
Prospectus is a part covering resales by holders of Notes and Common Stock
issuable upon conversion of the Notes within 90 days after the latest date of
initial issuance of the Notes, will use its best efforts to cause such
registration statement to be declared effective within 120 days following such
filing. The Company will use all reasonable efforts to keep the registration
statement effective for two years from the latest date of initial issuance of
Notes. The Company is permitted to suspend the use of this Prospectus during
certain periods of time and under certain circumstances relating to pending
corporate developments, public filings with the Commission and similar events.
If the Prospectus is unavailable for periods in excess of those permitted
under the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company has agreed to pay
liquidated damages to (i) each holder of Notes at a rate equal to one-half of
one percent per annum (50 basis points) on the aggregate principal amount of
the Notes and (ii) each holder of shares of Common Stock issued upon
conversion of the Notes at a rate equal to one-half of one percent per annum
(50 basis points) calculated on the product of the then-applicable Conversion
Price times the number of shares of such Common Stock held by such holder. The
Company will pay all expenses of the shelf registration statement, provide to
each registered holder requesting to sell Notes or shares of Common Stock
copies of this Prospectus, and take certain other actions as are required to
permit, subject to the foregoing, unrestricted resales of the Notes and Common
Stock issuable upon conversion of the Notes. A holder who sells the Notes
pursuant to the shelf registration statement generally will be required to be
named as a Selling Securityholder in the Prospectus and to deliver a
Prospectus to purchasers and will be bound by the provisions of the
Registration Rights Agreement which are applicable to such holder (including
certain indemnification provisions).
 
CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE
 
  PNC Bank, Kentucky, Inc., the Trustee under the Indenture, has been
appointed by the Company as the initial paying agent, conversion agent,
registrar and custodian with regard to the Notes. The Company may maintain
deposit accounts and conduct other banking transactions with the Trustee or
its affiliates in the ordinary course of business, and the Trustee and its
affiliates may from time to time in the future provide banking and other
services to the Company in the ordinary course of their business.
 
                                      23
<PAGE>
 
                         DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
 
GENERAL
 
  The Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that the
authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 50,000,000 shares of
Common Stock, par value $.10 per share, and 5,000,000 shares of Preferred
Stock, par value $1.00 per share. As of September 30, 1997, 23,372,387 shares
of Common Stock were issued and outstanding, and no shares of Preferred Stock
were issued or outstanding.
 
COMMON STOCK
 
  The holders of Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share owned of
record on all matters voted upon by stockholders. Subject to the requirements
(including preferential rights) of any Preferred Stock outstanding, holders of
Common Stock are entitled to receive dividends if, as and when declared by the
Board out of funds legally available therefor. In the event of a liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the Company, holders of Common Stock are entitled
to share equally and ratably in the assets of the Company, if any, remaining
after the payment of all liabilities of the Company and the liquidation
preferences of any outstanding Preferred Stock. Holders of the Common Stock
have no preemptive rights, no cumulative voting rights and no rights to
convert their Common Stock into any other securities, and there are no
redemption or sinking fund provisions with respect to the Common Stock.
 
  National City Bank acts as the transfer agent and registrar for the Common
Stock.
 
PREFERRED STOCK
 
  The Board has the authority to issue the authorized shares of Preferred
Stock in one or more series and to fix the designations, powers, preferences,
rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions of all shares of each
such series, including, without limitation, dividend rates, conversion rights,
voting rights, redemption and sinking fund provisions, liquidation preferences
and the number of shares constituting each such series, without any further
vote or action by the stockholders. The issuance of Preferred Stock could
decrease the amount of earnings and assets available for distribution to
holders of Common Stock or adversely affect the rights and powers, including
voting rights, of the holders of Common Stock. The issuance of Preferred Stock
also could have the effect of delaying, deterring or preventing a change in
control of the Company without further action by the stockholders.
 
CERTAIN CORPORATE GOVERNANCE MATTERS
 
  Pursuant to the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation and the
Amended and Restated By-laws, the Board is divided into three classes. Two
classes of directors consist of three directors each and one class consists of
two directors, with the term of office of the first class to expire at the
1998 annual meeting of stockholders, the term of office of the second class to
expire at the 1999 annual meeting of stockholders, and the term of office of
the third class to expire at the 2000 annual meeting of stockholders. At each
succeeding annual meeting of stockholders, directors will be elected to a
three-year term of office.
 
  The Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation and the Amended and
Restated By-laws provide that: (i) the number of directors of the Company will
be fixed by resolution of the Board, but in no event will be less than three
nor more than 15 directors; (ii) the directors of the Company in office from
time to time will fill any vacancy or newly created directorship on the Board,
with any new director to serve in the class of directors to which he or she is
so elected; (iii) directors of the Company may be removed only for cause by
the holders of at least a majority of the Company's voting stock; (iv)
stockholder action can be taken only at an annual or special meeting of
stockholders and not by written consent in lieu of a meeting; and (v) except
as described below, special meetings of stockholders may be called only by the
Chairman of the Board, the President of the Company or by a majority of the
total number of directors of the Company, and the business permitted to be
conducted at
 
                                      24
<PAGE>
 
any such meeting is limited to that stated in the notice of the special
meeting. The Amended and Restated By-laws also require that stockholders
desiring to bring any business before an annual meeting of stockholders
deliver written notice thereof to the Secretary of the Company not fewer than
60 days nor more than 90 days in advance of the annual meeting of
stockholders; provided, however, if the date of the meeting is not furnished
to stockholders in a notice, or is not publicly disclosed by the Company, more
than 70 days prior to the meeting, notice by the stockholder, to be timely,
must be delivered to the President or Secretary of the Company not later than
the close of business on the tenth day following the day on which such notice
of the date of the meeting was mailed or such public disclosure was made.
 
  The Amended and Restated By-laws also provide that stockholders desiring to
nominate persons for election as directors must make their nominations in
writing to the President of the Company not fewer than 60 days nor more than
90 days prior to the scheduled date for the annual meeting; provided, however,
if fewer than 70 days notice or prior public disclosure of the scheduled date
for the annual meeting is given or made, notice by the stockholders, to be
timely, must be delivered to the President or Secretary of the Company not
later than the close of business on the tenth day following the day on which
such notice of the date of the meeting was mailed or such public disclosure
was made.
 
  Under applicable provisions of the General Corporation Law of the State of
Delaware, the approval of a Delaware corporation's board of directors, in
addition to stockholder approval, is required to adopt any amendment to the
corporation's certificate of incorporation, but a corporation's by-laws may be
amended either by action of its stockholders or, if the corporation's
certificate of incorporation so provides, its board of directors. The Restated
Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated By-laws provide that the
provisions summarized above may not be amended by the stockholders, nor may
any provision inconsistent therewith be adopted by the stockholders, without
the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of the Company's voting
stock, voting together as a single class.
 
  The foregoing provisions of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation and
Amended and Restated By-laws may discourage or make more difficult the
acquisition of control of the Company by means of a tender offer, open market
purchase, proxy contest or otherwise. These provisions may have the effect of
discouraging certain types of coercive takeover practices and inadequate
takeover bids and to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of the
Company first to negotiate with the Company. The Company's management believes
that the foregoing measures provide benefits to the Company and its
stockholders by enhancing the Company's ability to negotiate with the
proponent of any unfriendly or unsolicited proposal to take over or
restructure the Company and that such benefits outweigh the disadvantages of
discouraging such proposals because, among other things, negotiation of such
proposals could result in an improvement of their terms.
 
  The Company is a Delaware corporation and is subject to Section 203 of the
General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. In general, Section 203
prevents an "interested stockholder" (defined generally as a person owning 15%
or more of the corporation's outstanding voting stock) from engaging in a
"business combination" (as defined in Section 203) with a Delaware corporation
for three years following the date such person became an interested
stockholder unless: (i) before such person became an interested stockholder,
the board of directors of the corporation approved either the transaction in
which the interested stockholder became an interested stockholder or the
business combination; (ii) upon consummation of the transaction that resulted
in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested
stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation
outstanding at the time such transaction commenced (excluding stock held by
directors who are also officers of the corporation and by employee stock plans
that do not provide employees with the rights to determine confidentially
whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or
exchange offer); or (iii) following the transaction in which such person
became an interested stockholder, the business combination is approved by the
board of directors of the corporation and authorized at a meeting of
stockholders by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of
the outstanding voting stock of the corporation not owned by the interested
stockholder. Under Section 203, the restrictions described above also do not
apply to certain business combinations proposed by an interested stockholder
following the public announcement or notification (as required by Section 203)
of a transaction which is one of certain extraordinary transactions
 
                                      25
<PAGE>
 
involving the corporation, is with or by a person who either has not been an
interested stockholder during the previous three years or who became an
interested stockholder with the approval of a majority of the corporation's
directors, and is approved or not opposed by a majority of the board of
directors then in office. As a result of its initial ownership of all of the
outstanding Common Stock, Vencor is not subject to the restrictions imposed
upon an interested stockholder under Section 203.
 
REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENTs
 
  The Company has granted demand and incidental registration rights to both
Vencor and Andy L. Schoepf, the Company's Chief Operating Officer and a member
of the Board of Directors, for the registration under the Securities Act of
shares of Common Stock owned by them. Vencor is permitted four demand
registrations. Pursuant to Mr. Schoepf's exercise of his one demand
registration right, the Company has filed for the registration under the
Securities Act of 236,470 shares of Common Stock held by Mr. Schoepf. The
Company paid the fees and expenses for the demand registration of Mr. Schoepf
and will pay the fees and expenses for two demand registrations of Vencor, as
well as all incidental registrations, while Vencor and Mr. Schoepf will pay
all underwriting discounts and commissions. The registration rights of Vencor
expire August 20, 2001. The registration rights are subject to certain
conditions and limitations, including the right of underwriters to limit the
number of shares included in a registration.
 
                            SELLING SECURITYHOLDERS
 
  The Notes were originally issued by the Company in a private placement and
were resold by the initial purchasers thereof to qualified institutional
buyers (within the meaning of Rule 144A under the Securities Act) or other
institutional accredited investors (as defined in Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or
(7) under the Securities Act) in transactions exempt from registration under
the Securities Act, and in sales outside the United States to persons other
than U.S. persons in reliance upon Regulation S under the Securities Act. The
Notes and the Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Notes that may be
offered pursuant to this Prospectus will be offered by the Selling
Securityholders.
 
  Prior to any use of this Prospectus in connection with an offering of the
Notes and the underlying Common Stock (the "Securities"), this Prospectus will
be supplemented to set forth the name and number of shares beneficially owned
by the Selling Securityholder intending to sell such Securities, and the
aggregate principal amount of Notes and number of shares of Common Stock
issuable upon conversion of the Notes to be offered. The Prospectus Supplement
will also disclose whether any Selling Securityholder selling in connection
with such Prospectus Supplement has held any position or office with, been
employed by or otherwise has had a material relationship with, the Company or
any of its affiliates during the three years prior to the date of the
Prospectus Supplement.
 
                                      26
<PAGE>
 
                   CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
 
  The following is a general summary of certain United States Federal income
tax consequences relating to an investment in the Notes as of the date hereof.
This discussion is based on existing provisions of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder,
judicial decisions and administrative rulings, all of which are subject to
change or alternative construction with possible retroactive effect. This
summary does not discuss other Federal taxes (such as Federal estate and gift
taxes) or any state, local or foreign tax considerations, nor does it purport
to address all Federal income tax consequences applicable to all categories of
investors, some of whom may be subject to special rules, such as Non-U.S.
Holders (as defined below), life insurance companies, tax-exempt
organizations, dealers in securities or currency, banks or other financial
institutions, investors whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar,
persons who enter into "short sales against the box" or certain other
"constructive sales" involving the Notes or Common Stock or substantially
identical property, or investors that hold the Notes as part of a hedge,
straddle or conversion transaction. In addition, this summary is generally
limited to the Notes and the Common Stock into which the Notes are convertible
that are held as "capital assets" within the meaning of Section 1221 of the
Code. The Company will not seek a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service
(the "IRS") with regard to the United States Federal income tax treatment
relating to an investment in the Notes (or the Common Stock into which the
Notes are convertible) and, therefore, there can be no assurance that the IRS
will agree with the conclusions set forth below.
 
  For purposes of this summary, the term "U.S. Holder" means a beneficial
owner of a Note or Common Stock that is (i) a citizen or resident of the
United States, (ii) a corporation, partnership or other entity created or
organized in or under the laws of the United States or any political
subdivision thereof, (iii) an estate the income of which is subject to United
States Federal income taxation regardless of its source and (iv) a trust if
(a) a U.S. court is able to exercise primary supervision over the trust's
administration and (b) one or more U.S. fiduciaries have the authority to
control all of the trust's substantial decisions. The term "Non-U.S. Holder"
shall mean the beneficial owner of a Note or Common Stock other than a U.S.
Holder.
 
  PERSONS CONSIDERING THE PURCHASE OF THE NOTES SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX,
FINANCIAL AND/OR LEGAL ADVISORS CONCERNING THE APPLICATION OF UNITED STATES
FEDERAL TAX LAWS, AS WELL AS THE LAWS OF ANY STATE, LOCAL OR FOREIGN TAXING
JURISDICTION, TO THEIR PARTICULAR SITUATIONS. THIS SUMMARY DOES NOT PURPORT TO
ADDRESS ALL ASPECTS OF FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL OR FOREIGN TAXATION THAT MAY BE
RELEVANT TO AN INVESTOR'S DECISION TO PURCHASE THE NOTES.
 
TAXATION OF U.S. HOLDERS
 
  Adjustment to Conversion Price. Section 305 of the Code treats as a taxable
distribution certain actual or constructive distributions of stock with
respect to stock and convertible securities. Applicable Treasury regulations
treat holders of convertible debentures as having received such a constructive
distribution where the conversion price is adjusted to reflect certain
distributions with respect to the stock into which such debentures are
convertible. Thus, under certain circumstances, an adjustment in the
conversion price of the Notes may be taxable to the U.S. Holders as a taxable
dividend distribution. Adjustments to the conversion price, however, made
pursuant to a bona fide, reasonable adjustment formula that has the effect of
preventing the dilution of the interest of the holders of such securities,
generally will not be considered to result in a constructive distribution of
stock. The Indenture provides that the conversion price will be adjusted upon
the occurrence of certain circumstances. There can be no assurance that some
of the adjustments, more fully described in the Indenture, would not result in
a taxable constructive distribution to the U.S. Holders under Sections 301 and
305 of the Code. In such a case, U.S. Holders may recognize income as a result
of an event pursuant to which they receive no cash or property that could be
used to pay the related income tax. Holders of the Notes are advised to
consult their tax advisors with respect to the potential of taxable
constructive dividend distributions upon such conversion price modifications.
 
 
                                      27
<PAGE>
 
  Payments of Interest. The payment of stated interest on the Notes will be
taxable to a U.S. Holder as ordinary interest income at the time it accrues or
is received in accordance with the U.S. Holder's usual method of accounting
for Federal income tax purposes.
 
  Conversion of a Note into Common Stock. In general, a U.S. Holder will not
recognize gain or loss on conversion of a Note solely into Common Stock
pursuant to the terms of the conversion right of the Notes, except with
respect to cash received in lieu of a fractional share. The holding period of
the Common Stock received by the U.S. Holder upon conversion of a Note will
include the period during which the Note was held prior to the conversion. The
U.S. Holder's aggregate tax basis in the Common Stock (including the
fractional share exchanged for cash) received upon conversion of a Note will
equal the U.S. Holder's aggregate tax basis in the Note exchanged at the time
of conversion. A U.S. Holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss in
connection with any cash received in lieu of a fractional share in an amount
equal to the difference between the amount of cash received and the U.S.
Holder's tax basis in the fractional share. Special Federal income tax rules
for the treatment of the conversion of a Note into Common Stock may apply if a
U.S. Holder converts after a record date for the payment of interest, but
prior to the next succeeding interest payment date (for instance, the fair
market value of Common Stock received which is attributable to accrued
interest will be taxable as ordinary interest income in certain
circumstances). U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding
the tax consequences of converting the Notes into Common Stock.
 
  Disposition of Notes or Common Stock. A U.S. Holder of a Note (or the Common
Stock into which it was converted) generally will recognize capital gain or
loss upon the sale, exchange, retirement or other disposition of the Note (or
the Common Stock) measured by the difference between (i) the amount realized
(except to the extent the amount is attributable to accrued interest income,
which will generally be taxable as ordinary income) and (ii) the U.S. Holder's
tax basis in the Note (or the Common Stock). Except as discussed below with
respect to market discount, the gain or loss on such disposition will be long-
term capital gain or loss if the Note (or the Common Stock) has been held for
more than one year at the time of such disposition. Long-term capital gain of
an individual taxpayer currently is subject to a maximum income tax rate of
either (i) 20.0% if the individual held the asset for more than 18 months or
(ii) 28.0% if the individual held the asset for more than one year, but not
more than 18 months.
 
  Market Discount. Under the market discount provisions of Sections 1276
through 1278 of the Code, if a U.S. Holder of a Note purchases it at market
discount (i.e., at a price below its stated redemption price at maturity) in
excess of a de minimis amount (defined in the Code) and thereafter recognizes
gain upon a disposition or retirement of the Note, then the lesser of the gain
recognized or the portion of the market discount that accrued on a ratable
basis (or, if elected, on a constant interest rate basis) generally will be
treated as ordinary income at the time of the disposition. Moreover, any
market discount on a Note may be taxable to the extent of appreciation at the
time of certain otherwise non-taxable transactions (e.g., gifts). Any accrued
market discount not previously taken into income prior to a conversion of a
Note, however, is likely to carry over to the Common Stock received on
conversion and be treated as ordinary income upon a subsequent disposition of
such Common Stock to the extent of any gain recognized on such disposition. In
addition, absent an election to include market discount in income as it
accrues, a U.S. Holder of a market discount debt instrument may be required to
defer a portion of any interest expense that otherwise may be deductible on
any indebtedness incurred or maintained to purchase or carry such debt
instrument until such holder disposes of the debt instrument in a taxable
transaction.
 
  Distributions with Respect to Common Stock. In general, distributions made
by the Company with respect to Common Stock will be taxable to a holder as
ordinary dividend income to the extent of the Company's undistributed current
or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined for Federal income tax
purposes). Distributions in excess of the Company's current or accumulated
earnings and profits will be treated first as a nontaxable return of capital
reducing the U.S. Holder's tax basis in the Common Stock, thus increasing the
amount of any gain (or reducing the amount of any loss) that might be realized
by such U.S. Holder upon the sale, exchange or redemption of such Common
Stock. Any such distributions in excess of the U.S. Holder's tax basis in the
Common Stock will be treated as capital gain to the U.S. Holder (provided the
Common Stock is
 
                                      28
<PAGE>
 
held as a capital asset) and will be either long-term or short-term capital
gain depending upon the holder's Federal income tax holding period for the
Common Stock.
 
  To the extent that distributions made by the Company are treated as
dividends, a U.S. Holder of Common Stock that is taxed as a domestic
corporation and that meets the applicable holding period and taxable income
requirements of the Code may be entitled to a deduction under Section 243 of
the Code equal in amount to 70.0% of such dividends (the "Dividends Received
Deduction"). With respect to Common Stock considered to be "debt financed
portfolio stock," as defined in Section 246A of the Code, the Dividends
Received Deduction will be reduced in accordance with the formula contained in
that Section. The receipt of a dividend on the Common Stock determined to be
an "extraordinary dividend" may cause the holder's tax basis in the Common
Stock to be reduced by the untaxed portion of the dividend pursuant to Section
1059 of the Code, with any excess of such untaxed portion of the dividend over
such tax basis then treated as gain from the sale or exchange of such Common
Stock for the taxable year in which the extraordinary dividend is received.
Individuals, partnerships and other entities not taxable as domestic
corporations, and certain corporations having a special tax status (such as,
for example, status as an S corporation) are not eligible for the Dividends
Received Deduction.
 
  The Clinton Administration had proposed legislation that would reduce the
Dividends Received Deduction, but such proposal was not enacted into law. It
is impossible to predict whether, or in what form, any legislation affecting
the Dividends Received Deduction might be enacted into law in the future. U.S.
Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the availability of
the Dividends Received Deduction.
 
TAXATION OF NON-U.S. HOLDERS
 
  Payments of Interest. The payment of stated interest on a Note by the
Company or any paying agent to a Non-U.S. Holder will qualify for the
"portfolio interest exemption" and, therefore, will not be subject to United
States Federal income tax or withholding tax, provided that such interest
income is not taxable as effectively connected with a United States trade or
business of the Non-U.S. Holder and the Non-U.S. Holder (i) does not actually
or constructively own 10.0% or more of the combined voting power of all
classes of stock of the Company entitled to vote, (ii) is not a controlled
foreign corporation related to the Company actually or constructively through
stock ownership, (iii) is not a bank receiving interest on a loan entered into
in the ordinary course of business, and (iv) either (a) provides an IRS Form
W-8 (or suitable substitute form) signed under penalties of perjury that
includes its name and address and certifies as to its non-United States status
in compliance with applicable law and regulations, or (b) deposits the Note
with a securities clearing organization, bank or financial institution that
holds customers' securities in the ordinary course of its trade or business
and which holds the Note and provides a statement to the Company or its agent
under penalties of perjury in which it certifies that such a Form W-8 (or a
suitable substitute) has been received by it from the Non-U.S. Holder or
qualified intermediary and furnishes the Company or its agent with a copy
thereof.
 
  Recently promulgated Treasury regulations which became effective January 1,
1998 provide alternative methods for satisfying the certification requirement
described in clause (iv) above. These Treasury regulations also generally
require, in the case of Notes held by a foreign partnership, that (a) the
certification described in clause (iv) above be provided by the partners
rather than by the foreign partnership, or (b) the partnership provide certain
information, including a United States taxpayer identification number, or
enter into an agreement with the Internal Revenue Service. A look-through rule
would apply in the case of tiered partnerships. Non-U.S. Holders of the Notes
are advised to consult their tax advisors with respect to their qualification
for the portfolio interest exemption and the steps necessary to comply with
such exemption.
 
  Except to the extent otherwise provided under an applicable tax treaty, a
Non-U.S. Holder generally will be taxed in the same manner as a U.S. Holder
with respect to interest on a Note if such interest income is effectively
connected with a United States trade or business of the Non-U.S. Holder.
Effectively connected interest received by a corporate Non-U.S. Holder may
also, under certain circumstances, be subject to an additional "branch profits
tax" at a 30.0% rate (or, if applicable, a lower treaty rate). Such
effectively connected interest will generally not be subject to withholding
tax if the Non-U.S. Holder delivers an IRS Form 4224 to the payor.
 
                                      29
<PAGE>
 
  Interest income of a Non-U.S. Holder that is not effectively connected with a
United States trade or business and that does not qualify for the portfolio
interest exemption described above will generally be subject to a withholding
tax at a 30.0% rate (or, if applicable, a lower treaty rate).
 
  Conversion of a Note into Common Stock. In general, no United States Federal
income tax or withholding tax will be imposed upon the conversion of a Note
into Common Stock by a Non-U.S. Holder except that with respect to the receipt
of cash in lieu of fractional shares by Non-U.S. Holders upon conversion of a
Note, tax will be imposed where any one of the three exceptions described below
under "--Disposition of Notes" is applicable or the Company is a USRPHC as
classified below under "--FIRPTA Treatment of Non-U.S. Holders." In addition,
under certain circumstances, the extent to which the fair market value of the
Common Stock received upon conversion is attributable to accrued interest will
be treated as ordinary interest income taxable as described above under "--
Payments of Interest."
 
  Disposition of Notes. A Non-U.S. Holder of a Note will generally not be
subject to United States Federal income tax or withholding tax on any gain
realized on the sale, exchange, retirement or other disposition of the Note
(including the receipt of cash in lieu of fractional shares upon conversion of
the Note into Common Stock), unless (i) the gain is effectively connected with
a United States trade or business of the Non-U.S. Holder, (ii) in the case of a
Non-U.S. Holder who is an individual, such holder is present in the United
States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the taxable
year of the disposition, and either such holder has a "tax home" in the United
States or the disposition is attributable to an office or other fixed place of
business maintained by such holder in the United States, or (iii) the Non-U.S.
Holder is subject to tax pursuant to the provisions of the Code applicable to
certain United States expatriates.
 
  Disposition of Common Stock. Subject to the discussion below under "--FIRPTA
Treatment of Non-U.S. Holders," a Non-U.S. Holder generally will not be subject
to United States Federal income tax or withholding tax on the sale or exchange
of Common Stock unless any of the three conditions described above under "--
Disposition of Notes" is satisfied.
 
  FIRPTA Treatment of Non-U.S. Holders. Under the Foreign Investment in Real
Property Tax Act of 1980, as amended ("FIRPTA"), foreign persons generally are
subject to United States Federal income tax on capital gain realized on the
disposition of any interest (other than solely as a creditor) in a corporation
that is a United States real property holding corporation (a "USRPHC"). For
this purpose, a foreign person is defined as any holder who is a foreign
corporation (other than certain foreign corporations that elect to be treated
as domestic corporations), a non-resident alien individual, a non-resident
fiduciary of a foreign estate or trust, or a foreign partnership. Under FIRPTA,
a corporation is a USRPHC if the fair market value of the United States real
property interests held by the corporation is 50.0% or more of the aggregate
fair market value of certain assets of the corporation.
 
  It is possible that the Company could be a USRPHC. If the Company meets the
test for a USRPHC, a Non-U.S. Holder would generally not be subject to tax, or
withholding in respect to such tax, on gain from a sale or other disposition of
the Common Stock solely by reason of the Company's USRPHC status if the Common
Stock is regularly traded on an established securities market ("regularly
traded") during the calendar year in which such sale or disposition occurs,
provided that such Non-U.S. Holder does not own, actually or constructively,
Common Stock with a fair market value in excess of five percent of the fair
market value of all Common Stock outstanding at any time during the shorter of
the five-year period preceding such disposition or the Non-U.S. Holder's
holding period ("Threshold Amount"). The Company believes that the Common Stock
will be treated as regularly traded. Accordingly, the Company believes that a
Non-U.S. Holder who does not own a Threshold Amount generally will not be
subject to United States Federal income tax by virtue of FIRPTA on a sale or
other disposition of the shares of Common Stock.
 
  Distributions with Respect to Common Stock. To the extent distributions made
by the Company are treated as dividends (as described above under "Taxation of
U.S. Holders--Distributions with Respect to Common Stock"), a Non-U.S. Holder
will be subject to United States Federal withholding tax at a 30.0% rate (or
lower
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
 
rate provided under an applicable income tax treaty) on dividends paid (or
deemed paid, as described above under "Taxation of U.S. Holders--Adjustment to
Conversion Price") on Common Stock, unless the dividends are taxable as
effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United
States and the Non-U.S. Holder delivers IRS Form 4224 to the payor. Except to
the extent otherwise provided under an applicable tax treaty, a Non-U.S.
Holder generally will be taxed in the same manner as a U.S. Holder on
dividends paid (or deemed paid) that are effectively connected with the
conduct of a trade or business in the United States by the Non-U.S. Holder. If
such Non-U.S. Holder is a foreign corporation, it may also be subject to a
United States branch profits tax on such effectively connected income at a
30.0% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax
treaty.
 
  Under Treasury regulations in effect for 1998, dividends paid to an address
in a foreign country are presumed to be paid to a resident of that country
(unless the payor has knowledge to the contrary) for purposes of the
withholding rules discussed below and, under the current interpretation of
Treasury regulations, for purposes of determining the applicability of a tax
treaty rate. Under Treasury regulations effective January 1, 1998, however, a
Non-U.S. Holder of Common Stock who wishes to claim the benefit of an
applicable treaty rate would be required to satisfy applicable certification
requirements. In addition, under these Treasury regulations, in the case of
Common Stock held by a foreign partnership, the certification requirement
would generally be applied to the partners of the partnership or the
partnership would be required to provide certain information, including a
United States taxpayer identification number, and enter into an agreement with
the Internal Revenue Service. These Treasury regulations also provide look-
through rules for tiered partnerships.
 
BACKUP WITHHOLDING AND INFORMATION REPORTING
 
  Under current United States Federal income tax law, certain non-corporate
U.S. Holders of Notes or Common Stock will be subject to information reporting
and, under certain circumstances, may be subject to "backup withholding" at
the rate of 31.0% in respect to payments of principal, interest and dividends,
and the proceeds of disposition of Notes or Common Stock. Generally, the
backup withholding rules will apply only if the U.S. Holder (i) fails to
furnish its taxpayer identification number ("TIN") to the payor, (ii)
furnishes such payor with an incorrect TIN, (iii) is notified by the IRS that
it has failed to report properly interest, dividends or other "reportable
payments", as defined by the Code or (iv) under certain circumstances, fails
to provide such payor or the U.S. Holder's securities broker with a certified
statement, signed under penalty of perjury, that the TIN provided is its
correct number and that the U.S. Holder is not subject to backup withholding.
Backup withholding will not apply with respect to payments made to certain
U.S. Holders of the Notes, including corporations and tax-exempt
organizations.
 
  Payments or distributions to a Non-U.S. Holder with respect to a Note or
Common Stock, and the proceeds from a disposition of a Note or Common Stock by
a Non-U.S. Holder, will generally not be subject to backup withholding or to
information reporting requirements unless the Non-U.S. Holder fails to comply
with certain reporting procedures, the payment is received through a United
States office of a broker, or the Non-U.S. Holder fails to establish an
exemption from such tax or information reporting requirements under applicable
provisions of the Code.
 
  Holders of Notes should consult their tax advisors regarding their
qualification for exemption from backup withholding and the procedure for
obtaining such an exemption. The amount of any backup withholding from a
payment to a holder should be allowed as a credit against such person's United
States Federal income tax liability and may entitle such person to a refund,
provided that the required information is furnished to the IRS.
 
                                      31
<PAGE>
 
                             PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
 
  Pursuant to a Registration Rights Agreement dated as of October 16, 1997
(the "Registration Rights Agreement") between the Company and the initial
purchasers named therein entered into in connection with the Note Offering,
the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus forms a part was filed
with the Commission covering the resale of the Notes and the Common Stock
issuable upon the conversion of the Notes (the "Securities"). The Company has
agreed to use all reasonable efforts to keep the Registration Statement
effective for two years from the latest date of initial issuance of the Notes.
The Company will be permitted to suspend the use of this Prospectus (which is
a part of the Registration Statement) during certain periods of time under
certain circumstances relating to pending corporate developments, public
filings with the Commission and similar events. The specific provisions
relating to the registration rights described above are contained in the
Registration Rights Agreement, and the foregoing summary is qualified in its
entirely by reference to the provisions of such agreement.
 
  Sales of the Securities may be effected by or for the account of the Selling
Securityholders from time to time in transactions (which may include block
transactions in the case of shares of Common Stock) on any exchange or market
on which such Securities are listed or quoted, as applicable, in negotiated
transactions, through a combination of such methods of sale, or otherwise, at
fixed prices that may be changed, at market prices prevailing at the time of
sale, at prices related to prevailing market prices, or at negotiated prices.
The Selling Securityholders may effect such transactions by selling the
Securities directly to purchasers, through broker-dealers acting as agents for
the Selling Securityholders, or to broker-dealers who may purchase the
Securities as principals and thereafter sell the Securities from time to time
in transactions (which may include block transactions in the case of shares of
Common Stock) on any exchange or market on which such Securities are listed or
quoted, as applicable, in negotiated transactions, through a combination of
such methods of sale, or otherwise. In effecting sales, broker-dealers engaged
by Selling Securityholders may arrange for other broker-dealers to
participate. Such broker-dealers, if any, may receive compensation in the form
of discounts, concessions or commissions from the Selling Securityholders
and/or the purchasers of the Securities for whom such broker-dealers may act
as agents or to whom they may sell as principals, or both (which compensation
as to a particular broker-dealer might be in excess of customary commissions).
 
  The Selling Securityholders and any broker-dealers, agents or underwriters
that participate with the Selling Securityholders in the distribution of the
Securities may be deemed to be "underwriters" within the meaning of the
Securities Act. Any commissions paid or any discounts or concessions allowed
to any such persons and any profits received on the resale of the Securities
offered hereby and purchased by them may be deemed to be underwriting
commissions or discounts under the Securities Act.
 
  Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company has agreed to pay
expenses incident to the offer and sale of the Securities offered by the
Selling Securityholders hereby, except that the Selling Securityholders will
pay all underwriting discounts and selling commissions, if any. The Company
has agreed to indemnify the Selling Securityholders against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, and to contribute
to payments the Selling Securityholders may be required to make in respect
thereof.
 
  To comply with the securities laws of certain jurisdictions, if applicable,
the Securities offered hereby will be offered or sold in such jurisdictions
only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers. Under applicable rules
and regulations under the Exchange Act, any person engaged in a distribution
of the Securities may be limited in its ability to engage in market activities
with respect to such Securities. In addition to and without limiting the
foregoing, each Selling Securityholder will be subject to applicable
provisions of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, which
provisions may limit the timing of purchases and sales of any of the
Securities by the Selling Securityholders. The foregoing may affect the
marketability of the Securities.
 
                                      32
<PAGE>
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
  The validity of the Notes and the Common Stock issuable upon conversion of
the Notes will be passed upon for the Company by Greenebaum Doll & McDonald
PLLC, Louisville, Kentucky. William C. Ballard Jr., a director of the Company,
is of counsel to such firm, and, as of the date of this Prospectus, he
beneficially owns 23,000 shares of Common Stock.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
  The consolidated financial statements of Atria Communities, Inc., appearing
in the Atria Communities, Inc. Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended
December 31, 1996, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent
auditors, as set forth in their report thereon included therein and
incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements are
incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such report given upon the
authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
  The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange
Act, and in accordance therewith files reports, proxy statements and other
information with the Commission. Such reports, proxy statements and other
information filed with the Commission by the Company can be inspected and
copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at 450
Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the regional offices of the
Commission located at 500 West Madison Street, Room 1400, Chicago, Illinois
60606 and at 7 World Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048.
Copies of such material can be obtained from the Public Reference Section of
the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed
rates, or on the world wide web at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of other
materials concerning the Company can be inspected at the offices of the Nasdaq
Stock Market, 1735 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006.
 
  The Company has filed with the Commission a Registration Statement on Form
S-3 (herein, together with all amendments and exhibits, referred to as the
"Registration Statement") under the Securities Act with respect to the
securities offered hereby. This Prospectus does not contain all of the
information set forth in the Registration Statement, certain parts of which
were omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Commission.
For further information, reference is hereby made to the Registration
Statement. Any statements contained herein concerning the provisions of any
document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement or otherwise filed
with the Commission are not necessarily complete, and in each instance
reference is made to the copy of such document so filed. Each such statement
is qualified in its entirety by such reference.
 
                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
 
  The following documents filed by the Company with the Commission pursuant to
the Exchange Act are hereby incorporated by reference in this Prospectus:
 
    (1) The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
  31, 1996;
 
    (2) The Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarters
  ended March 31, 1997, June 30, 1997 and September 30, 1997;
 
    (3) The Company's Current Reports on Form 8-K dated April 1, 1997 and
  October 16, 1997; and
 
                                      33
<PAGE>
 
    (4) The description of the Company's Common Stock contained in the
  Company's Form 8-A filed with the Commission on August 12, 1996, including
  any amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such description
  filed with the Commission pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act.
 
  All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Prospectus and prior
to the termination of the offering of the securities offered hereby shall be
deemed to be incorporated by reference in this Prospectus. Any statement
contained herein or in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by
reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of
this Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained in any subsequently
filed document that also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or
superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to
constitute a part of this Prospectus.
 
  The Company hereby undertakes to provide without charge to each person to
whom a copy of this Prospectus has been delivered, upon the written or oral
request of such person, a copy of any or all of the documents referred to above
which have been or may be incorporated in this Prospectus by reference, other
than exhibits to such documents which are not specifically incorporated by
reference into the information that this Prospectus incorporates. Requests for
such copies should be directed to the Company's principal executive offices at:
Atria Communities, Inc., 515 West Market Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40202,
Attn: Chief Financial Officer, (502) 596-7540.
 
                                       34
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING MADE HEREBY TO
GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN AS CONTAINED OR
INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THIS PROSPECTUS, AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH IN-
FORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED
BY THE COMPANY. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR A SO-
LICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY, ANY OF THE SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY BY ANY
PERSON IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH OR TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO
MAKE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR
ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, IMPLY THAT THE INFORMA-
TION CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR ANY DOCUMENT INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY DATE SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE HEREOF OR THEREOF.
 
                               ----------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            PAGE
                                                                            ----
<S>                                                                         <C>
Summary....................................................................   2
Risk Factors...............................................................   6
The Company and its Predecessors...........................................  12
Use of Proceeds............................................................  12
Description of Notes.......................................................  13
Description of Capital Stock...............................................  24
Selling Securityholders....................................................  26
Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations..................................  27
Plan of Distribution.......................................................  32
Legal Matters..............................................................  33
Experts....................................................................  33
Available Information......................................................  33
Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference............................  33
</TABLE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                 $143,750,000
 
                                     LOGO
 
                         5.0% CONVERTIBLE SUBORDINATED
                                NOTES DUE 2002
 
                               ----------------
 
         PROSPECTUS
 
                               ----------------
 
                               JANUARY   , 1998
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART II
 
              INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
 
ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.
 
  The following table sets forth an itemized statement of all expenses to be
borne by the Company in its registration of the Securities registered
hereunder. The Selling Securityholders will be responsible for any and all
underwriting discounts, selling commissions and similar brokerage charges in
connection with the sale of the Securities registered hereunder. All amounts
are estimated, except for the SEC registration fee.
 
<TABLE>
      <S>                                                              <C>
      SEC registration fee............................................ $ 42,407
      Legal Fees and Expenses.........................................   50,000
      Accounting Fees and Expenses....................................    5,000
      Miscellaneous...................................................    2,593
                                                                       --------
          Total....................................................... $100,000
                                                                       ========
</TABLE>
 
ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
 
  A. Elimination of Certain Liability. Pursuant to Article IX of the
Registrant's Certificate of Incorporation ("Article IX"), a director of the
Registrant shall not be personally liable to the Registrant or its
stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director,
except for liability: (i) for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to
the Registrant or its stockholders; (ii) for acts or omissions not in good
faith or that involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law;
(iii) under Section 174 of the General Corporation Law of the State of
Delaware; or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an
improper personal benefit. If the General Corporation Law of the State of
Delaware is hereafter amended to permit further elimination or limitation of
the personal liability of directors, then the liability of a director of the
Registrant shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by
the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, as so amended. Any
repeal or modification of Section A of Article IX shall not adversely effect
any right or protection of a director of the Registrant existing at the time
of such repeal or modification.
 
  B. Right to Indemnification. Subject to Section C of Article IX of the
Registrant's Certificate of Incorporation, each person who was or is made a
party or is threatened to be made a party to or is involved in any action,
suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative
("Proceeding"), by reason of the fact that such person, or a person of whom
such person is the legal representative, is or was a director or officer of
the Registrant or is or was serving at the request of the Registrant as a
director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or of a
partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including service with
respect to employee benefit plans, whether the basis of such Proceeding is
alleged action in an official capacity as a director, officer, employee or
agent or in any other capacity while serving as a director, officer, employee
or agent, shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Registrant to the
fullest extent authorized by the General Corporation Law of the State of
Delaware, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended (but, in the case of
any such amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits the
Registrant to provide broader indemnification rights than said law permitted
the Registrant to provide prior to such amendment), against all expense,
liability and loss (including attorneys' fees, judgments, fines, excise taxes
under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as in effect from
time to time ("ERISA"), penalties and amounts to be paid in settlement)
reasonably incurred or suffered by such person in connection therewith. The
Registrant may, by action of its Board of Directors, provide indemnification
to other employees or agents of the Registrant with the same scope and effect
as the indemnification of directors and officers pursuant to Article IX.
 
  C. Procedure for Indemnification. Any indemnification under Article IX
(unless ordered by a court) shall be made by the Registrant only as authorized
in the specific case upon a determination that indemnification is proper in
the circumstances because the indemnitee has met the applicable standard of
conduct set forth in the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, as
the same exists or hereafter may be amended (but, in the
 
                                     II-1
<PAGE>
 
case of any such amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits the
Registrant to provide broader indemnification rights than said law permitted
the Registrant to provide prior to such amendment). Such determination shall be
made (i) by the Board of Directors by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of
directors who are not parties to such action, suit or proceeding (the
"Disinterested Directors"); (ii) if such a quorum of Disinterested Directors is
not obtainable, or, even if obtainable, a quorum of Disinterested Directors so
directs, by independent legal counsel and a written opinion; or (iii) by the
stockholders. The majority of Disinterested Directors may, as they deem
appropriate, elect to have the Registrant indemnify any other employee, agent
or other person acting for or on behalf of the Registrant.
 
  D. Advances for Expenses. Costs, charges and expenses (including attorneys'
fees) incurred by a director or officer of the Registrant, or such other person
acting on behalf of the Registrant as determined in accordance with Section C
of Article IX, in defending a civil or criminal action, suit or Proceeding
shall be paid by the Registrant in advance of the final disposition of such
action, suit or Proceeding upon receipt of a undertaking by or on behalf of the
director, officer or other person to repay all amounts so advanced in the event
that it shall ultimately be determined that such director, officer or other
person is not entitled to be indemnified by the Registrant as authorized in
Article IX or otherwise.
 
  E. Right of Claimant to Bring Suit. If a claim under Sections B or D of
Article IX is not paid in full by the Registrant within 30 days after a written
claim has been received by the Registrant, the claimant may at any time
thereafter bring suit against the Registrant to recover the unpaid amount of
the claim and, if successful in whole or in part, the claimant shall be
entitled to be paid also the expense of prosecuting such claim. It shall be a
defense to any such action (other than an action brought to enforce a claim for
expenses incurred in defending any proceeding in advance of its final
disposition where the required undertaking, if any is required, has been
tendered to the Registrant) that the claimant has not met the standard of
conduct that makes it permissible under the General Corporation Law of the
State of Delaware for the Registrant to indemnify the claimant for the amount
claimed, but the burden of proving such defense shall be on the Registrant.
Neither the failure of the Registrant (including its Board of Directors, legal
counsel or its stockholders) to have made a determination prior to the
commencement of such action that indemnification of the claimant is proper in
the circumstances because the claimant has met the applicable standards of
conduct set forth in the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, nor
an actual determination by the Registrant (including its Board of Directors,
legal counsel or its stockholders) that the claimant has not met such
applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a
presumption that the claimant has not met the applicable standard of conduct.
 
  F. Other Rights; Continuation of Right to Indemnification. The
indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by Article IX shall not be
deemed exclusive of any other rights to which a claimant may be entitled under
any law (common or statutory) by-law, agreement, vote of stockholders or
disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in his or her official
capacity and as to any action in another capacity while holding office or while
employed by or acting as agent for the Registrant and shall inure to the
benefit of the estate, heirs, executors and administrators of such person. All
rights to indemnification under Article IX shall be deemed to be a contract
between the Registrant and each director and officer of the Registrant who
serves or served in such capacity at any time while Article IX is in effect.
Any repeal or modification of Article IX or any repeal or modification of
relevant provisions of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware or
any other applicable law shall not in any way diminish any rights to
indemnification of such director, officer or the obligations of the Registrant
arising hereunder with respect to any action, suit or proceeding arising out
of, or relating to, any actions, transactions or facts occurring prior to the
final adoption of such modification or repeal. For the purposes of Article IX,
references to "the Registrant" include all constituent corporations absorbed in
a consolidation or merger as well as the resulting or surviving corporation, so
that any person who is or was a director or officer of such a constituent
corporation or is or was serving at the request of such constituent corporation
as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership,
joint venture, trust or other enterprise shall stand in the same position under
the provisions of this Article IX of the Registrant's Articles of
Incorporation, with respect to the resulting or surviving corporation, as such
person would if such person had served the resulting or surviving corporation
in the same capacity.
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>
 
  G. Insurance. The Registrant may maintain insurance, at its expense, to
protect itself and any director, officer, employee or agent of the Registrant
or another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise
against any such expense, liability or loss, even if the Registrant would not
have the power to indemnify such person against such expense, liability or
loss under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.
 
  H. Severability. If any provision or provisions of Article IX shall be held
to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever: (1) the
validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of Article
IX (including, without limitation, each portion of any paragraph of Article IX
containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable,
that is not itself held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in
any way be affected or impaired thereby; and (2) to the fullest extent
possible, the provisions of Article IX of the Registrant's Certificate of
Incorporation (including, without limitation, each such portion of any
paragraph of Article IX containing any such provision held to be invalid,
illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give effect to the
intent manifested by the provision held invalid, illegal or unenforceable.
 
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS.
 
  The following exhibits are filed as part of this Registration Statement:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      NUMBER                           DESCRIPTION
      ------                           -----------
     <C>       <S>                                                          <C>
      2        Agreement and Plan of Merger among Atria Communities,
               Inc., Atria Communities Southeast, Inc., American
               ElderServe Corporation, Andy L. Schoepf, Elizabeth A.
               Schoepf, and Evely C. Schoepf, dated as of March 3, 1997.
               Exhibit 2.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K
               dated April 1, 1997 (Comm. File No. 0-21159) is hereby in-
               corporated by reference.
      4.1      Restated Certificate of Incorporation. Exhibit 3.1 to the
               Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Comm. File
               333-06907) is hereby incorporated by reference.
      4.2      Amended and Restated Bylaws. Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's
               Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Comm. File No. 333-
               06907) is hereby incorporated by reference.
      4.3      Specimen Common Stock Certificate. Exhibit 4 to the
               Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Comm. File
               No. 333-06907) is hereby incorporated by reference.
      4.4      Credit Agreement dated as of August 15, 1996, among (a)
               Atria Communities, Inc., as Borrower; (b) the lending in-
               stitutions listed in Annex I to the Credit Agreement, as
               Lenders; (c) PNC Bank, National Association, as Adminis-
               trative Agent; (d) PNC Bank, Kentucky, Inc., as Managing
               Agent; (e) National City Bank of Kentucky, as Documenta-
               tion Agent, and (f) PNC Bank, National Association, Na-
               tional City Bank of Kentucky, and the Toronto-Dominion
               Bank, New York Agency, as Syndication Agent. Exhibit 1 to
               the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 26,
               1996 (Comm. File No. 0-21159) is hereby incorporated by
               reference.
      4.5      Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement dated as of January
               14, 1997 among Atria Communities, Inc., as borrower, the
               lending institutions named therein, PNC Bank, National As-
               sociation, as Administrative Agent, PNC Bank, Kentucky,
               Inc., as Managing Agent, and National City Bank of Ken-
               tucky, as Documentation Agent. Exhibit 4.1 to the
               Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period
               ended March 31, 1997 (Comm. File No. 0-21159) is hereby
               incorporated by reference.
      4.6      Amendment No. 2 to Credit Agreement dated as of March 27,
               1997 among Atria Communities, Inc., as borrower, the lend-
               ing institutions named therein, PNC Bank, National Associ-
               ation, as Administrative Agent, PNC Bank Kentucky, Inc.,
               as Managing Agent, and National City Bank of Kentucky, as
               Documentation Agent. Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's Quar-
               terly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31,
               1997 (Comm. File No. 0-21159) is hereby incorporated by
               reference.
</TABLE>
 
 
                                     II-3
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      NUMBER                           DESCRIPTION
      ------                           -----------
     <C>       <S>                                                          <C>
      4.7      Amendment No. 3 to Credit Agreement dated as of May 27,
               1997 among Atria Communities, Inc., as borrower, the lend-
               ing institutions named therein, PNC Bank, National Associ-
               ation, as Administrative Agent, PNC Bank Kentucky, Inc.,
               as Managing Agent, and National City Bank of Kentucky, as
               Documentation Agent. Exhibit 4.6 to the Company's Regis-
               tration Statement on Form S-1 (Comm. File No. 333-28577)
               is hereby incorporated by reference.
      4.8      Amendment No. 4 to Credit Agreement dated as of September
               29, 1997 among Atria Communities, Inc., as borrower, the
               lending institutions named therein, PNC Bank, National As-
               sociation, as Administrative Agent, PNC Bank Kentucky,
               Inc., as Managing Agent, and National City Bank of Ken-
               tucky, as Documentation Agent. Exhibit 4.1 to the
               Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period
               ended September 30, 1997 (Comm. File No. 0-21159) is
               hereby incorporated by reference.
      4.9      Form of 5.0% Convertible Subordinated Notes Due 2002 (in-
               cluded in Exhibit 4.10).
      4.10     Indenture dated as of October 16, 1997, by and between
               Atria Communities, Inc., and PNC Bank, Kentucky, Inc., as
               Trustee. Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's Current Report on
               Form
               8-K dated October 16, 1997 (Comm. File No. 0-21159) is
               hereby incorporated by reference.
      4.11     Registration Rights Agreement dated as of October 16,
               1997, by and among the Company, BT Alex. Brown Incorporat-
               ed, Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation,
               Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, Smith Barney Inc. and
               J.C. Bradford & Co. Exhibit 99.1 to the Company's Current
               Report on Form 8-K dated October 16, 1997 (Comm. File No.
               0-21159) is hereby incorporated by reference.
      5        Opinion of Greenebaum Doll & McDonald PLLC as to legality
               of the securities being registered.
     12        Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
     23.1      Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
     23.2      Consent of Greenebaum Doll & McDonald PLLC (included in
               Exhibit 5).
     24        Power of Attorney (included on signature page of the Reg-
               istration Statement).
     25        Statement of Eligibility of Trustee under the Trust Inden-
               ture Act of 1939 on Form T-1.
</TABLE>
 
 
  (b) FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
    Not applicable.
 
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS.
 
  (a) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
 
    (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a
  post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:
 
      (i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
    Securities Act of 1933;
 
      (ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after
    the effective date of the Registration Statement (or the most recent
    post-effective amendment thereof) that, individually or in the
    aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth
    in the Registration Statement;
 
      (iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of
    distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration Statement or
    any material change to such information in the Registration Statement;
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>
 
    Provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) do not apply
  if the information required to be included in the post-effective amendment
  by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed by the
  Registrant pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities
  Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the Registration
  Statement.
 
    (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
  Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed
  to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
  therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed
  to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
    (3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
  any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
  termination of the offering.
 
  (b) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of
Registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit
plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement shall
be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be
the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
  (c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of
the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, Registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission
such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is,
therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against
such liabilities (other than the payment by Registrant of expenses incurred or
paid by a director, officer or controlling person of Registrant in the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication
of such issue.
 
                                      II-5
<PAGE>
 
                                  SIGNATURES
 
  PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, THE REGISTRANT
CERTIFIES THAT IT HAS REASONABLE GROUNDS TO BELIEVE THAT IT MEETS ALL OF THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR FILING ON FORM S-3 AND HAS DULY CAUSED THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT TO BE SIGNED ON ITS BEHALF BY THE UNDERSIGNED, THEREUNTO DULY
AUTHORIZED, IN THE CITY OF LOUISVILLE, COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY, ON JANUARY 9,
1998.
 
                                          Atria Communities, Inc.
 
                                               /s/ W. Patrick Mulloy, II
                                          By: _________________________________
                                                   W. Patrick Mulloy, II
                                                Chief Executive Officer and
                                                         President
 
  PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, THIS
REGISTRATION STATEMENT HAS BEEN SIGNED BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS IN THE
CAPACITIES AND ON THE DATES INDICATED.
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
  KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, THAT EACH PERSON WHOSE SIGNATURE APPEARS
BELOW CONSTITUTES AND APPOINTS W. PATRICK MULLOY, II, J. TIMOTHY WESLEY AND
AUDRA J. ECKERLE AND EACH OF THEM SUCH INDIVIDUAL'S TRUE AND LAWFUL ATTORNEYS-
IN-FACT AND AGENTS, WITH FULL POWER OF SUBSTITUTION AND RESUBSTITUTION, FOR
SUCH INDIVIDUAL AND IN HIS OR HER NAME, PLACE AND STEAD, IN ANY AND ALL
CAPACITIES, TO SIGN ALL AMENDMENTS (INCLUDING POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENTS) TO
THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND ANY REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATED TO THE
OFFERING CONTEMPLATED BY THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT THAT IS TO BE EFFECTIVE
UPON FILING PURSUANT TO RULE 462(B) UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AND TO
FILE THE SAME, WITH ALL EXHIBITS THERETO, AND ALL DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION
THEREWITH, WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION AND ANY STATE OR OTHER
REGULATORY AUTHORITY, GRANTING UNTO SAID ATTORNEYS-IN-FACT AND AGENTS, AND
EACH OF THEM, FULL POWER AND AUTHORITY TO DO AND PERFORM EACH AND EVERY ACT
AND THING REQUISITE OR NECESSARY TO BE DONE IN AND ABOUT THE PREMISES AS FULLY
TO ALL INTENTS AND PURPOSES AS HE OR SHE MIGHT OR COULD DO IN PERSON, HEREBY
RATIFYING AND CONFIRMING ALL THAT SAID ATTORNEYS-IN-FACT AND AGENTS, OR ANY OF
THEM, OR THEIR SUBSTITUTE OR SUBSTITUTES, MAY LAWFULLY DO OR CAUSE TO BE DONE
BY VIRTUE HEREOF.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             SIGNATURE                           TITLE                    DATE
             ---------                           -----                    ----
 
 
<S>                                  <C>                           <C>
     /s/ W. Bruce Lunsford           Chairman of the Board          January 9, 1998
____________________________________
         W. Bruce Lunsford
 
   /s/ W. Patrick Mulloy, II         Chief Executive Officer,       January 9, 1998
____________________________________  President and Director
       W. Patrick Mulloy, II
 
      /s/ Andy L. Schoepf            Chief Operating Officer and    January 9, 1998
____________________________________  Director
          Andy L. Schoepf
 
     /s/ J. Timothy Wesley           Chief Financial Officer,       January 9, 1998
____________________________________  Vice President of
         J. Timothy Wesley            Development and Secretary
                                      (Chief Financial and
                                      Accounting Officer)
 
</TABLE>
 
                                     II-6
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                  <C>                           <C>
    /s/ Sandra Harden Austin         Director                       January 8, 1998
____________________________________
        Sandra Harden Austin
 
   /s/ William C. Ballard Jr.        Director                       January 9, 1998
____________________________________
       William C. Ballard Jr.
 
       /s/ Peter J. Grua             Director                       January 6, 1998
____________________________________
           Peter J. Grua
 
       /s/ Thomas T. Ladt            Director                       January 9, 1998
____________________________________
           Thomas T. Ladt
 
       /s/ R. Gene Smith             Director                       January 9, 1998
____________________________________
           R. Gene Smith
 
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-7

<PAGE>
                                                               Exhibit 5 


                        GREENEBAUM DOLL & MCDONALD PLLC
                           3300 National City Tower
                            101 South Fifth Street
                        Louisville, Kentucky 40202-3197
                                 502/589-4200
                               Fax  502/587-3695

                                January 9, 1998


Atria Communities, Inc.
515 West Market Street
Louisville, KY 40202

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     We have acted as legal counsel to Atria Communities, Inc., a Delaware
corporation (the "Company"), in connection with the preparation of a
Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the "Registration Statement") under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, relating to resales of up to $143,750,000
aggregate principal amount of the Company's 5.0% Convertible Subordinated Notes
due 2002 (the "Notes") and the shares of Common Stock, par value $0.10 per share
(the "Common Stock"), of the Company issuable upon conversion of the Notes
pursuant to the terms of the Notes and the Indenture dated as of October 16,
1997 (the "Indenture") between the Company and PNC Bank, Kentucky, Inc., as
Trustee. The Notes and the Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Notes
are to be offered for resale by certain securityholders of the Company.

     We have examined and are familiar with the Restated Certificate of
Incorporation and Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Company, the Indenture and
the various corporate records and proceedings relating to the organization of
the Company and the issuance of the Notes and Common Stock issuable upon
conversion of the Notes. We have also examined such other documents and
proceedings as we have considered necessary for the purpose of this opinion.

     Based on the foregoing, we are of the opinion that:

     1. The Notes are validly authorized, legally issued, fully paid and
nonassessable and constitute the legal, valid and binding obligations of the
Company in accordance with their terms and entitled to the benefits of the
Indenture except as enforcement thereof may be limited by applicable bankruptcy,
reorganization, insolvency, moratorium or other laws affecting the rights and
remedies of creditors generally from time to time in effect and the application
of general equitable principles.

     2. The Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Notes, when issued in
accordance with the terms of the Notes and the Indenture, will be validly
issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

<PAGE>
 


January 9, 1998
Page 2


     We hereby consent to the filing of this Opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement, and with such state securities administrators as may
require such opinion of counsel for the registration of the Notes and Common
Stock issuable upon conversion of the Notes. We further consent to the reference
to this firm under the heading "Legal Matters" in the Prospectus which is part
of the Registration Statement. In giving this consent, we do not thereby admit
that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required under
Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Rules and
Regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder.

                                           Very truly yours,



                                           Greenebaum Doll & McDonald PLLC



<PAGE>
 
                                                                      Exhibit 12

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

                                    Year
                                    ended                                                              Nine months ended
                                   May 31,                  Year ended December 31,                      September 30,
                                  ------------------------------------------------------------    ----------------------------
                                    1993(1)           1993      1994        1995        1996             1996       1997
                                  ------------------------------------------------------------    ----------------------------
<S>                                <C>               <C>       <C>        <C>          <C>             <C>         <C>
Earnings:
  Income (loss) from operations
   before income taxes              (1,770)          1,003     6,343       5,925       7,056            4,870      8,495
  Fixed charges, exclusive
   of capitalized interest           5,350           3,720     3,716       4,517       4,478            3,230      3,944
                                  ------------------------------------------------------------    ----------------------------
                                     3,580           4,723    10,059      10,442      11,534            8,100     12,439

Fixed Charges:
  Interest                           5,058           3,499     3,538       4,322       4,287            2,999      3,272
  Amortization of deferred
   loan costs                          104             104        67          67          73              127        553
  Interest portion of rent
   expense                             188             117       111         128         118              104        119
  Interest expense relating
   to guaranteed debt of
   less than 50% owned
   affiliates                          459               -         -           -           -                -          -
                                  ------------------------------------------------------------    ----------------------------
Fixed charges exclusive
 of capitalized interest             5,809           3,720     3,716       4,517       4,478            3,230      3,944
Capitalized interest                     -               -         -           -          59                9        778
                                  ------------------------------------------------------------    ----------------------------
                                     5,809           3,720     3,716       4,517       4,537            3,239      4,722

Ratio of earnings to fixed
 charges                               0.6             1.3       2.7         2.3         2.5              2.5        2.6
                                  ============================================================    ============================

</TABLE>

(1) Earnings were not sufficient to cover fixed charges to the extent of $2.3
    million for the year ended May 31, 1993.


<PAGE>
                                                                    Exhibit 23.1


                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the 
Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related Prospectus of Atria Communities, 
Inc. for the registration of $143,750,000 Convertible Subordinated Notes Due 
2002 and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated February
1, 1997 (except for Note 11 as to which the date is March 3, 1997) with respect 
to the consolidated financial statements of Atria Communities, Inc. included in
its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1996, filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission.





Louisville, Kentucky                                ERNST & YOUNG LLP
January 7, 1998


<PAGE>
 
                                                                      Exhibit 25


                        Securities Act of 1933 File No. __________

                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                   FORM T-1
                            ----------------------

                           STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY
                     UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939
                 OF A CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

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

         CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY OF A TRUSTEE
                     PURSUANT TO SECTION 305 (b)(2)   [ ]

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

                           PNC Bank, Kentucky, Inc.
                           ------------------------
              (Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)

Commonwealth of Kentucky                                   61-0191580
- --------------------------------                        --------------------
(State of Incorporation If Not a                        (I.R.S. Employer
 National Bank)                                          Identification No.)

500 W. Jefferson Street
Louisville, Kentucky                                            40202
- ----------------------------------------                      ----------
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)                      (Zip Code)

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

                               Martha A. Ziskind
                                Vice President
                           PNC Bank, Kentucky, Inc.
                            500 W. Jefferson Street
                          Louisville, Kentucky 40202
                                (502) 581-3231
          (Name, address, and telephone number of agent for service)

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

                            ATRIA COMMUNITIES, INC.
                            ----------------------
              (Exact Name of Obligor as Specified in its Charter)

        Delaware                                         61-1303738
- -----------------------                     ------------------------------------
(State of Incorporation)                    (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

515 West Market Street, Suite 200, Louisville, Kentucky               40202
- -------------------------------------------------------               -----
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)                           (Zip Code)

             $143,750,000 Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2002
             ----------------------------------------------------
                      (Title of the Indenture Securities)
<PAGE>
 
1.   General information.  Furnish the following information as Trustee:

     (a)  Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to which 
          it is subject.

          Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
          411 Locust Street, P. O. Box 442
          St. Louis, MO 63266

          Department of Financial Institutions
          Commonwealth of Kentucky
          477 Versailles Road
          Frankfort, Ky 40601

     (b)  Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

          The Trustee is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

2.   Affiliations with obligor.  If the obligor is an affiliate of the Trustee, 
     describe each such affiliation.

          Not applicable.

3.   Voting Securities of the trustee.  Furnish the following information as to 
     each class of voting securities of the trustee.

     As of January 5, 1998

          Col. A                                     Col. B
     -----------------                          -----------------
     (Title of Class)                           Amount Outstanding
     -----------------                          ------------------

PNC Bank, Kentucky, Inc.
Common Stock, par value $30 per share             2,000,000 shares

PNC Bank Corp.
Common Stock, par value $5 per share            322,038,350 shares

4.   Trusteeships under other indentures.  If the trustee is a trustee under 
another indenture under which any other securities, or certificates of interest 
or participation in any other securities, of the obligor are outstanding, 
furnish the following information:

(a)  Title of the securities outstanding under each such other indenture.

     Not applicable.
<PAGE>
 
(b) A brief statement of the facts relied upon as a basis for the claim that no
conflicting interest within the meaning of Section 310(b) (1) of the Act arises
as a result of the trusteeship under any such other indenture, including a
statement as how the indenture securities will rank as compared with the
securities issued under other such indenture.

     Not applicable.

5.   Interlocking directorates and similar relationships with the obligor or 
underwriters. If the trustee or any of the directors or executive officers of 
the trustee is a director, officer, partner, employee, appointee, or 
representative of the obligor or of any underwriter for the obligor, identify 
each such person having any such connection and state the nature of each such 
connection.

     Not applicable.

6.   Voting securities of the trustee owned by the obligor or its officials. 
Furnish the following information as to the voting securities of the trustee 
owned beneficially by the obligor and each director, partner and executive 
officer of the obligor:

As of January 5, 1998
      ---------------

     Column A            Column B            Column C           Column D

                                                             Percentage of
                                                           Voting Securities
                                                             Represented by  
                                           Amount Owned       Amount Given
     Name of Owner       Title of Class    Beneficially       in Column C
     -------------       --------------    ------------      --------------

     Not applicable.

7.   Voting securities of the trustee owned by underwriter or their officials.
Furnish the following information as to the voting securities of the trustee
owned beneficially by each underwriter for the obligor and each director,
partner, executive officer of each such underwriter:

As of January 5, 1998
      ---------------

     Column A            Column B            Column C           Column D

                                                             Percentage of
                                                           Voting Securities
                                                             Represented by  
                                           Amount Owned       Amount Given
     Name of Owner       Title of Class    Beneficially       in Column C
     -------------       --------------    ------------      --------------

     Not applicable.



<PAGE>


8.   Securities of the obligor owned or held by the trustee. Furnish the 
following information as to securities of the obligor owned beneficially or held
as collateral security for obligations in default by the trustee.

As of January 5, 1998
 
     Column A            Column B            Column C           Column D

                                           Amount Owned
                                           Beneficially
                         Whether the        or Held as
                        Securities are      Collateral          Percent of
                          Voting or        Security for      Class Represented
                          Nonvoting       Obligations in      by Amount Given
     Title of Class       Securities         Default            in Column C
     --------------       ----------       ------------         ------------

     Not applicable.

9.   Securities of the underwriters owned or held by the trustee. If the trustee
owns beneficially of holds as collateral security for obligations in default any
securities of an underwriter for the obligor, furnish the following information 
as to each class of securities of such underwriter any of which are so owned or 
held by the trustee:

As of January 5, 1998
 
     Column A            Column B            Column C           Column D

                                           Amount Owned
                                           Beneficially
                                            or Held as
                                            Collateral          Percent of
     Title of Issuer                       Security for      Class Represented
          and               Amount        Obligations in      by Amount Given
     Title of Class       Outstanding     Default by Trustee    in Column C
     --------------       -----------     ------------------    ------------

     Not applicable.
<PAGE>
10.  Ownership or holdings by the trustee of voting securities of certain
affiliates or security holders of the obligor. If the trustee owns beneficially
or holds collateral security for obligations in default voting securities of a
person who, to the knowledge of the trustee (1) owns 10% or more of the voting
securities of the obligor or (2) is an affiliate, other than a subsidiary, of
the obligor, furnish the following information as to the voting securities of
such person:

As of January 5, 1998

   Column A            Column B            Column C           Column D

                                         Amount Owned
                                         Beneficially
                                          or Held as
                                          Collateral         Percent of
Title of Issuer                          Security for     Class Represented
      and               Amount          Obligations in     by Amount Given
Title of Class        Outstanding     Default by Trustee     in Column C
- ---------------       -----------     ------------------  -----------------

Not applicable.


11.  Ownership or holdings by the trustee of any securities of a person owning
50 percent or more of the voting securities of the obligor. If the trustee owns
beneficially or holds as collateral security for obligations in default any
securities of a person who, to the knowledge of the trustee, owns 50 percent or
more of the voting securities of the obligor, furnish the following information
as to each class of securities of such person any of which are so owned or held
by the trustee:

As of January 5, 1998

   Column A            Column B            Column C           Column D

                                         Amount Owned
                                         Beneficially
                                          or Held as
                                          Collateral         Percent of
Title of Issuer                          Security for     Class Represented
      and               Amount          Obligations in     by Amount Given
Title of Class        Outstanding     Default by Trustee     in Column C
- ---------------       -----------     ------------------  -----------------

Not applicable.


 

<PAGE>
 
12.  Indebtedness of the obligor to the trustee. Except as noted in the 
instructions, if the obligor is indebted to the trustee, furnish the following 
information:

As of January 5, 1998

          None.

13.  Defaults by the obligor.

     (a) State whether there is or has been a default with respect to the 
securities under this indenture. Explain the nature of any such default.

          None.

     (b) If the trustee is a trustee under another indenture under which any 
other securities, or certificates of interest or participation in any other 
securities, of the obligor are outstanding, or is the trustee for more than one 
outstanding series of securities under the indenture, state whether there has 
been a default under any such indenture or series, identify the indenture or 
series affected, and explain the nature of any such default.

          Not applicable.

14.  Affiliation with the Underwriters. If any underwriter is an affiliate of 
the trustee, describe each such affiliation.

     Not applicable.

15.  Foreign Trustee. Identify the order or rule pursuant to which the foreign 
trustee is authorized to act as sole trustee under indentures qualified or to be
qualified under the Act.

     Not applicable.

16.  List of Exhibits. List below all exhibits filed as part of this statement 
of eligibility.

     1.   A copy of the Articles of Incorporation of the Trustee now in effect 
          is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 to Amendment No. 1 to
          Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 22-23572, dated as of 
          February 24, 1993.

     2.   Certificate of authority of the Trustee to commence business, 
          contained in the Articles of Incorporation is hereby incorporated by
          reference to Exhibit 1 to Amendment No. 1 to Form T-1 filed with
          Registration Statement No. 22-23572, dated as of February 24, 1993.
 
<PAGE>
 
3. Authorization of the Trustee to exercise corporate trust powers, contained in
   the Articles of Incorporation is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit
   1 to Amendment No. 1 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 22-
   23572, dated as of February 24, 1993.

4. A copy of the existing By-Laws of the trustee is hereby incorporated by
   reference to Exhibit 1 to Amendment No. 1 to Form T-1 filed with
   Registration Statement No. 22-23572, dated as of February 24, 1993.

5. Copy of each indenture referred to in Item 4, if the obligor is in default.
   Not applicable.

6. The consent of United States institutional trustees required by Section
   321(b) of the Act.

7. A copy of the latest report of condition of the trustee published pursuant to
   law or the requirements of its supervising or examining authority is hereby
   incorporated by reference to its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
   year ended December 31, 1996 and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
   Quarter ended June 30, 1997 which were previously filed with the Commission.




<PAGE>
                                   SIGNATURE

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, the 
Trustee, PNC Bank, Kentucky, Inc., a corporation organized and existing under 
the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, has duly caused this statement of 
eligibility to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly 
authorized, all in the City of Louisville and State of Kentucky on the 5th day 
of January, 1998.

                     PNC BANK, KENTUCKY, INC.

                     By:  /s/ JACK R. CORNWALL
                          ------------------------
                          Jack R. Cornwall
                          Assistant Vice President

<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT 6
                                   ---------

                          THE CONSENT OF THE TRUSTEE
                     REQUIRED BY SECTION 321(B) OF THE ACT

     PNC Bank, Kentucky, Inc., the Trustee executing the statement of 
eligibility and qualification to which this Exhibit is attached does hereby 
consent that reports of examinations of the undersigned by Federal, State, 
Territorial or District authorities may be furnished by such authorities to the 
Securities and Exchange Commission upon request therefore in accordance with the
provisions of Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939.


                   PNC BANK, KENTUCKY, INC.

                   BY: /s/ JACK R. CORNWALL
                       --------------------------
                         Jack R. Cornwall
                         Assistant Vice President


January 5, 1998
- ---------------
     Date
 


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