UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

(Rule 14a-101)

INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

(Amendment No.      )

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¨ Preliminary Proxy Statement

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¨ Definitive Proxy Statement

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¨ Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12

NATIONWIDE HEALTH PROPERTIES, INC.

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

N/A

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

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NATIONWIDE HEALTH PROPERTIES, INC.

** IMPORTANT NOTICE **

Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials

You are receiving this communication because you hold shares in the above company, and the materials you should review before you cast your vote are now available.

This communication presents only an overview of the more complete proxy materials that are available to you on the Internet. We encourage you to access and review all of the important information contained in the proxy materials before voting.

Nationwide Health Properties

610 NEWPORT CENTER DRIVE

SUITE 1150

NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92660

Shareholder Meeting to be held on 5/5/09

Proxy Materials Available

Notice and Proxy Statement

Annual Report

PROXY MATERIALS - VIEW OR RECEIVE

You can choose to view the materials online or receive a paper or e-mail copy. There is NO charge for requesting a copy. Requests, instructions and other inquiries will NOT be forwarded to your investment advisor.

To facilitate timely delivery please make the request as instructed below on or before 4/21/09.

HOW TO VIEW MATERIALS VIA THE INTERNET

Have the 12 Digit Control Number available and visit: www.proxyvote.com

HOW TO REQUEST A COPY OF MATERIALS

1) BY INTERNET - www.proxyvote.com

2) BY TELEPHONE - 1-800-579-1639

3) BY E-MAIL* - sendmaterial@proxyvote.com

*If requesting materials by e-mail, please send a blank e-mail with the 12 Digit Control Number (located on the following page) in the subject line.

See the Reverse Side for Meeting Information and Instructions on How to Vote

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Meeting Information

Meeting Type: Annual

Meeting Date: 5/5/09

Meeting Time: 1:00 p.m., PT

For holders as of: 3/6/09

Meeting Location:

Conference Center

610 Newport Center Drive

Newport Beach, CA 92660

Meeting Directions:

For Meeting Directions, Please Call:

(949) 718-4400

How To Vote

Vote In Person

Many shareholder meetings have attendance requirements including, but not limited to, the possession of an attendance ticket issued by the entity holding the meeting. Please check the meeting materials for any special requirements for meeting attendance. At the meeting, you will need to request a ballot to vote these shares.

Vote By Internet

To vote now by Internet, go to WWW.PROXYVOTE.COM. Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information up until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Have your notice in hand when you access the web site and follow the instructions.

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Voting items

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMEND A VOTE “FOR” ALL OF THE NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR IN ITEM 1 AND “FOR” ITEM 2.

1. Election of Directors

Nominees:

01) William K. Doyle

02) Richard I. Gilchrist

03) Robert D. Paulson

04) Jeffrey L. Rush

05) Keith P. Russell

2. Ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company’s independent accountants for the calendar year ending December 31, 2009.

In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting and at any adjournment thereof.

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