Life Care CEO’s Son Seeks Permanent Conservatorship Amid Legal Battle

A legal battle is unfolding over the future of Life Care Centers of America, one of the largest nursing home chains in the country. Aubrey B. Preston is seeking permanent conservatorship over his father, Forrest Preston, the company’s 91-year-old founder and CEO, due to concerns about his cognitive health.

Concerns Over Forrest Preston’s Health

According to sealed medical reports, Forrest Preston has been diagnosed with a moderate to severe cognitive condition that affects his ability to manage his business, finances, and personal affairs. Aubrey Preston’s attorneys argue that his father’s condition makes it impossible for him to continue running Life Care effectively.

The trial, which begins this March 2025, will determine whether Aubrey will be granted full conservatorship. A judge previously appointed Aubrey as an emergency conservator in November 2024, allowing him to make key business decisions alongside Life Care’s executive team.

Allegations of Financial Exploitation

Court documents suggest that Forrest Preston has been vulnerable to financial exploitation. Aubrey’s attorneys claim that his stepmother, Kim Phuong Nguyen Preston, and her family misused their influence to take advantage of Forrest’s assets. This, they argue, further supports the need for Aubrey to take full control of his father’s affairs.

Dispute Over Who Should Oversee Life Care

While some have suggested that Forrest’s business associates, George Mueller and Henry Luken, be involved in the conservatorship, Aubrey’s legal team strongly opposes this idea. They claim Mueller was previously fired from Life Care for financial misconduct and that Forrest lost at least $52 million in investments with Luken. These facts, they argue, show Forrest’s cognitive decline, as he would not have trusted these individuals if he were in full control of his decisions.

Forrest’s attorney, William Horton, dismissed the allegations in the trial brief, stating that only the evidence presented in court should be considered.

Aubrey’s Qualifications for Conservatorship

Aubrey’s attorneys argue that he is the best person to oversee Forrest’s personal and business matters, given his experience managing the family’s business operations. Even Kim, Forrest’s wife, reportedly acknowledged that Aubrey is the most suitable person for the role.

With Life Care’s future at stake, the trial will determine whether Aubrey will be granted sole conservatorship to protect his father’s interests and ensure the nursing home company remains stable.