NHP Nationwide Health Properties, Inc.

Nationwide Health Properties, Inc. (NYSE: NHP) announced today that the Company will release its 2011 first quarter earnings on Thursday, May 5, 2011 before the opening of trading on the New York Stock Exchange. Due to its pending merger with Ventas, Inc. (NYSE: VTR), the Company will not host a conference call to discuss its financial performance and operating results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2011.

Nationwide Health Properties, Inc. is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that invests primarily in healthcare real estate in the United States. As of December 31, 2010, the Company's portfolio of properties, including mortgage loans and properties owned by unconsolidated joint ventures, totaled 667 properties among the following segments: 298 senior housing facilities, 212 skilled nursing facilities, 134 medical office buildings, 12 continuing care retirement communities, 7 specialty hospitals, 2 assets in development and 2 assets held for sale. For more information on Nationwide Health Properties, Inc., visit our website at http://www.nhp-reit.com.

CONTACT: Danion Fielding Vice President Finance Nationwide Health Properties, Inc. (949) 718-4400