EXHIBIT 23.1






                 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

     We consent to the incorporation by reference in the
Registration Statement (Form S-8) of Ventas, Inc. for the
registration of shares of its Common Stock in connection with the
Ventas, Inc. 2000 Incentive Compensation Plan and Ventas, Inc.
Individual Stock Option Agreements of our reports, (a) dated
February 8, 2002, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements of Ventas, Inc. included in its Current Report on Form
8-K dated June 19, 2002, and (b) dated March 21, 2002 with
respect to the December 31, 2001 financial statement schedule of
Ventas, Inc. included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the
year ended December 31, 2001, both filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.


                                            /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP



Louisville, Kentucky
July 26, 2002