EXHIBIT 23.1

                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related prospectus of Health Care REIT,
Inc. for the registration of $937,557,819 of debt securities, preferred
stock, depository shares, common stock, warrants, and units and to the
incorporation by reference therein of our report dated January 17, 2003, with
respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedules of Health Care
REIT, Inc. included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended
December 31, 2002, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission


                                                          /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Toledo, Ohio
July 18, 2003