EXHIBIT 23.1

                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS



We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in Amendment
No. 1 to the Registration Statement (Form S-3 No. 333-107280) and related
prospectus of Health Care REIT, Inc. for the registration of $937,557,819 of
debt securities, preferred stock, depositary 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 31, 2003