Senior Housing Properties Trust has reported $32.1 million in net income for the fourth quarter, compared to net income of $32.4 million for the same period in 2008.

Net income for the fourth quarter includes an impairment of assets charge of $4.3 million, related to three properties and a gain of $397,000, relating to the sale of two skilled nursing facilities, and an impairment of assets charge of $5.4 million related to three properties.

In 2009, the company reported net income of $109.7 million, compared to net income of $106.5 million in 2008. Net income for 2009 includes an impairment of assets charge of $15.5 million related to 11 properties and a gain of $397,000 relating to the sale of two skilled nursing facilities.

Funds from operations, or FFO, for the fourth quarter was $52.4 million, compared to FFO in the same quarter in 2008 of $48.9 million.

In 2009, FFO was $206.8 million, compared to FFO for the year in 2008 of $175.5 million.

During the fourth quarter, the company acquired 11 senior living properties with a total of 870 units for approximately $116.8 million, excluding closing costs, from three unaffiliated parties. The company leased the properties to Newton assisted living and senior housing facility operator Five Star Quality Care Inc. for initial rent of $10.3 million per year.

During the fourth quarter, the company also sold two skilled nursing facilities to two unaffiliated parties for $1.9 million. These two properties had been leased to Five Star.