Health Care REIT, Inc. (NYSE:HCN) announced today that its Board of Directors declared a cash dividend for the quarter ended December 31, 2011 of $0.74 per share, as compared to $0.69 per share for the same period in 2010, representing a 7% increase. The dividend will be the company's 163rd consecutive quarterly payment, payable on February 21, 2012 to stockholders of record on February 7, 2012.

About Health Care REIT, Inc. Health Care REIT, Inc., an S&P 500 company with headquarters in Toledo, Ohio, is a real estate investment trust that invests across the full spectrum of seniors housing and health care real estate. The company also provides an extensive array of property management and development services. As of September 30, 2011, the company's broadly diversified portfolio consisted of 898 properties in 45 states. More information is available on the company's website at www.hcreit.com.

Health Care REIT, Inc.
Scott Estes, 419-247-2800
Jay Morgan, 419-247-2800