EXHIBIT 23

                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8 No. 33-46561) dated March 20, 1992 pertaining to The 1985 Incentive Stock
Option Plan of Health Care REIT, Inc., the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No.
333-1237) dated February 27, 1996 pertaining to The 1985 Incentive Stock Option
Plan of Health Care REIT, Inc., the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No.
333-01239) dated February 27, 1996 pertaining to the Health Care REIT, Inc. 1995
Stock Incentive Plan, the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-40769) dated
November 21, 1997 pertaining to the Health Care REIT, Inc. Stock Plan for
Non-Employee Directors of Health Care REIT, Inc., the Registration Statement
(Form S-8 No. 333-40771) dated November 21, 1997 pertaining to the Health Care
REIT, Inc. 1995 Stock Incentive Plan, the Registration Statement (Form S-3 No.
333-73936) dated November 21, 2001 of Health Care REIT, Inc. and the
Registration Statement (Form S-3D No. 333-60058) dated May 2, 2001 of Health
Care REIT, Inc. of our report dated January 17, 2003 with respect to the
consolidated financial statements and schedules of Health Care REIT, Inc.
included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2002.


                                                           /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Toledo, Ohio
March 7, 2003