EXHIBIT 23.3

                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

     We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related prospectus of Ventas, Inc. for the
registration of 25,000,000 shares of its common stock and to the incorporation
by reference therein of our report dated April 2, 2001, with respect to the
consolidated financial statements and schedule of Ventas, Inc. included in its
Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2000, filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Louisville, Kentucky

July 20, 2001