NHP Nationwide Health Properties, Inc.

Nationwide Health Properties, Inc. (NYSE: NHP) announced today that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly common stock cash dividend of $0.48 per share. The dividend will be paid on June 3, 2011 to stockholders of record on May 20, 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