<?xml version="1.0" encoding="US-ASCII"?>
<!--XBRL Document Created with Wdesk from Workiva, formerly WebFilings-->
<!-- -->
<xsd:schema attributeFormDefault="unqualified" elementFormDefault="qualified" targetNamespace="http://www.ventasreit.com/20140630" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:nonnum="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/non-numeric" xmlns:num="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/numeric" xmlns:vtr="http://www.ventasreit.com/20140630" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xmlns:xbrli="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsd="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema">
  <xsd:import namespace="http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2013-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://fasb.org/us-roles/2013-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-roles-2013-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://fasb.org/us-types/2013-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-types-2013-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-instance-2003-12-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/arcrole/fact-explanatoryFact" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/arcrole/factExplanatory-2009-12-16.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negated" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/net" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/net-2009-12-16.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/non-numeric" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/nonNumeric-2009-12-16.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/numeric" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/numeric-2009-12-16.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2013-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2013/country-2013-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/currency/2012-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/currency/2012/currency-2012-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/exch/2013-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/exch/2013/exch-2013-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/naics/2011-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/naics/2011/naics-2011-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/sic/2011-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/sic/2011/sic-2011-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2011-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2011/stpr-2011-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:annotation>
    <xsd:appinfo>
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:href="vtr-20140630_cal.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/calculationLinkbaseRef" xlink:type="simple" />
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:href="vtr-20140630_def.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/definitionLinkbaseRef" xlink:type="simple" />
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:href="vtr-20140630_lab.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/labelLinkbaseRef" xlink:type="simple" />
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:href="vtr-20140630_pre.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationLinkbaseRef" xlink:type="simple" />
      <link:roleType id="AccountingPolicies" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/AccountingPolicies">
        <link:definition>2102100 - Disclosure - ACCOUNTING POLICIES</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="AccountingPoliciesDetails" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/AccountingPoliciesDetails">
        <link:definition>2402402 - Disclosure - ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="AccountingPoliciesDetails2" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/AccountingPoliciesDetails2">
        <link:definition>2402403 - Disclosure - ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details 2)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="AccountingPoliciesPolicies" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/AccountingPoliciesPolicies">
        <link:definition>2202201 - Disclosure - ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConcentrationOfCreditRisk" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/ConcentrationOfCreditRisk">
        <link:definition>2103100 - Disclosure - CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConcentrationOfCreditRiskDetails" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/ConcentrationOfCreditRiskDetails">
        <link:definition>2403401 - Disclosure - CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CondensedConsolidatingInformationUnaudited" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingInformationUnaudited">
        <link:definition>2118100 - Disclosure - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING INFORMATION (Unaudited)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CondensedConsolidatingInformationUnauditedDetails" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingInformationUnauditedDetails">
        <link:definition>2418402 - Disclosure - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING INFORMATION (unaudited) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CondensedConsolidatingInformationUnauditedDetails2" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingInformationUnauditedDetails2">
        <link:definition>2418403 - Disclosure - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING INFORMATION (unaudited) (Details 2)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CondensedConsolidatingInformationUnauditedDetails3" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingInformationUnauditedDetails3">
        <link:definition>2418404 - Disclosure - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING INFORMATION (unaudited) (Details 3)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CondensedConsolidatingInformationUnauditedDetails4" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingInformationUnauditedDetails4">
        <link:definition>2418405 - Disclosure - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING INFORMATION (unaudited) (Details 4)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CondensedConsolidatingInformationUnauditedTables" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingInformationUnauditedTables">
        <link:definition>2318301 - Disclosure - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING INFORMATION (unaudited) (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets">
        <link:definition>1001000 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical">
        <link:definition>1001501 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows">
        <link:definition>1005000 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome">
        <link:definition>1003000 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConsolidatedStatementsOfEquity" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfEquity">
        <link:definition>1004000 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConsolidatedStatementsOfEquityParenthetical" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfEquityParenthetical">
        <link:definition>1004501 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (Parenthetical)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConsolidatedStatementsOfIncome" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfIncome">
        <link:definition>1002000 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="DescriptionOfBusiness" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/DescriptionOfBusiness">
        <link:definition>2101100 - Disclosure - DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="DescriptionOfBusinessDetails" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/DescriptionOfBusinessDetails">
        <link:definition>2401401 - Disclosure - DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="Dispositions" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/Dispositions">
        <link:definition>2106100 - Disclosure - DISPOSITIONS</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="DispositionsDetails" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/DispositionsDetails">
        <link:definition>2406402 - Disclosure - DISPOSITIONS (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="DispositionsTables" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/DispositionsTables">
        <link:definition>2306301 - Disclosure - DISPOSITIONS (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="DocumentAndEntityInformation" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation">
        <link:definition>0001000 - Document - Document and Entity Information</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="EarningsPerCommonShare" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/EarningsPerCommonShare">
        <link:definition>2116100 - Disclosure - EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="EarningsPerCommonShareDetails" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/EarningsPerCommonShareDetails">
        <link:definition>2416402 - Disclosure - EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="EarningsPerCommonShareTables" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/EarningsPerCommonShareTables">
        <link:definition>2316301 - Disclosure - EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FairValuesOfFinancialInstruments" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/FairValuesOfFinancialInstruments">
        <link:definition>2112100 - Disclosure - FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FairValuesOfFinancialInstrumentsDetails" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/FairValuesOfFinancialInstrumentsDetails">
        <link:definition>2412402 - Disclosure - FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FairValuesOfFinancialInstrumentsTables" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/FairValuesOfFinancialInstrumentsTables">
        <link:definition>2312301 - Disclosure - FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="IncomeTaxes" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/IncomeTaxes">
        <link:definition>2114100 - Disclosure - INCOME TAXES</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="IncomeTaxesDetails" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/IncomeTaxesDetails">
        <link:definition>2414401 - Disclosure - INCOME TAXES (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="Intangibles" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/Intangibles">
        <link:definition>2109100 - Disclosure - INTANGIBLES</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="IntangiblesDetails" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/IntangiblesDetails">
        <link:definition>2409402 - Disclosure - INTANGIBLES (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="IntangiblesTables" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/IntangiblesTables">
        <link:definition>2309301 - Disclosure - INTANGIBLES (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="InvestmentsInUnconsolidatedEntities" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/InvestmentsInUnconsolidatedEntities">
        <link:definition>2108100 - Disclosure - INVESTMENTS IN UNCONSOLIDATED ENTITIES</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="InvestmentsInUnconsolidatedEntitiesDetails" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/InvestmentsInUnconsolidatedEntitiesDetails">
        <link:definition>2408401 - Disclosure - INVESTMENTS IN UNCONSOLIDATED ENTITIES (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="Litigation" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/Litigation">
        <link:definition>2113100 - Disclosure - LITIGATION</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="LitigationDetails" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/LitigationDetails">
        <link:definition>2413401 - Disclosure - LITIGATION (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="LoansReceivableAndInvestments" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/LoansReceivableAndInvestments">
        <link:definition>2107100 - Disclosure - LOANS RECEIVABLE AND INVESTMENTS</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="LoansReceivableAndInvestmentsDetails" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/LoansReceivableAndInvestmentsDetails">
        <link:definition>2407402 - Disclosure - LOANS RECEIVABLE AND INVESTMENTS (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="LoansReceivableAndInvestmentsTables" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/LoansReceivableAndInvestmentsTables">
        <link:definition>2307301 - Disclosure - LOANS RECEIVABLE AND INVESTMENTS (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="OtherAssets" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/OtherAssets">
        <link:definition>2110100 - Disclosure - OTHER ASSETS</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="OtherAssetsDetails" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/OtherAssetsDetails">
        <link:definition>2410402 - Disclosure - OTHER ASSETS (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="OtherAssetsTables" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/OtherAssetsTables">
        <link:definition>2310301 - Disclosure - OTHER ASSETS (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SegmentInformation" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/SegmentInformation">
        <link:definition>2117100 - Disclosure - SEGMENT INFORMATION</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SegmentInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/SegmentInformationDetails">
        <link:definition>2417402 - Disclosure - SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SegmentInformationDetails2" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/SegmentInformationDetails2">
        <link:definition>2417403 - Disclosure - SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details 2)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SegmentInformationDetails3" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/SegmentInformationDetails3">
        <link:definition>2417404 - Disclosure - SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details 3)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SegmentInformationTables" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/SegmentInformationTables">
        <link:definition>2317301 - Disclosure - SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SeniorNotesPayableAndOtherDebt" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/SeniorNotesPayableAndOtherDebt">
        <link:definition>2111100 - Disclosure - SENIOR NOTES PAYABLE AND OTHER DEBT</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SeniorNotesPayableAndOtherDebtDetails" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/SeniorNotesPayableAndOtherDebtDetails">
        <link:definition>2411402 - Disclosure - SENIOR NOTES PAYABLE AND OTHER DEBT (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SeniorNotesPayableAndOtherDebtDetails2" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/SeniorNotesPayableAndOtherDebtDetails2">
        <link:definition>2411403 - Disclosure - SENIOR NOTES PAYABLE AND OTHER DEBT (Details 2)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SeniorNotesPayableAndOtherDebtDetails3" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/SeniorNotesPayableAndOtherDebtDetails3">
        <link:definition>2411404 - Disclosure - SENIOR NOTES PAYABLE AND OTHER DEBT (Details 3)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SeniorNotesPayableAndOtherDebtDetails4" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/SeniorNotesPayableAndOtherDebtDetails4">
        <link:definition>2411405 - Disclosure - SENIOR NOTES PAYABLE AND OTHER DEBT (Details 4)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SeniorNotesPayableAndOtherDebtTables" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/SeniorNotesPayableAndOtherDebtTables">
        <link:definition>2311301 - Disclosure - SENIOR NOTES PAYABLE AND OTHER DEBT (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="StockholdersEquity" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/StockholdersEquity">
        <link:definition>2115100 - Disclosure - STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="StockholdersEquityDetails" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/StockholdersEquityDetails">
        <link:definition>2415402 - Disclosure - STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="StockholdersEquityTables" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/StockholdersEquityTables">
        <link:definition>2315301 - Disclosure - STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SubsequentEvents" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/SubsequentEvents">
        <link:definition>2119100 - Disclosure - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SubsequentEventsDetails" roleURI="http://www.ventasreit.com/role/SubsequentEventsDetails">
        <link:definition>2419401 - Disclosure - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
    </xsd:appinfo>
  </xsd:annotation>
  <xsd:element id="vtr_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAdjustmentForLongTermIntercompanyTransactionsNetOfTax" name="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAdjustmentForLongTermIntercompanyTransactionsNetOfTax" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeOther" name="AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeOther" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_AdditionsToComponentsOfEquityDuringPeriodValueAcquisitions" name="AdditionsToComponentsOfEquityDuringPeriodValueAcquisitions" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalRelatedToRedeemableOperatingPartnerUnitholderInterestsToRecordAtFairValue" name="AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalRelatedToRedeemableOperatingPartnerUnitholderInterestsToRecordAtFairValue" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockPurchaseOfLimitedPartnershipUnits" name="AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockPurchaseOfLimitedPartnershipUnits" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_AllowanceforStraightLineRentReceivable" name="AllowanceforStraightLineRentReceivable" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_AmericanRealtyCapitalHealthcareTrustInc.Member" name="AmericanRealtyCapitalHealthcareTrustInc.Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_AtriaMember" name="AtriaMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_AtriaandSunriseMember" name="AtriaandSunriseMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainLossBeforeTax" name="AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainLossBeforeTax" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_BrookdaleSeniorLivingMember" name="BrookdaleSeniorLivingMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_BusinessCombinationExpectedConsiderationTransferred" name="BusinessCombinationExpectedConsiderationTransferred" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_BusinessCombinationExpectedConsiderationTransferredPricePerAcquireeShare" name="BusinessCombinationExpectedConsiderationTransferredPricePerAcquireeShare" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:perShareItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_BusinessCombinationExpectedNumberOfRealEstatePropertiesAcquired" name="BusinessCombinationExpectedNumberOfRealEstatePropertiesAcquired" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_ChangeInEstimatedCarryingAmountOfRedeemableNoncontrollingInterestsFromInitialCarryingAmount" name="ChangeInEstimatedCarryingAmountOfRedeemableNoncontrollingInterestsFromInitialCarryingAmount" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_ChangeinbalanceofFundsHeldinEscrowforFutureDevelopment" name="ChangeinbalanceofFundsHeldinEscrowforFutureDevelopment" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_CircuitCourtBaltimoreCityMarylandMember" name="CircuitCourtBaltimoreCityMarylandMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_CondensedConsolidatingComprehensiveIncomeTableTextBlock" name="CondensedConsolidatingComprehensiveIncomeTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmountNetOfCash" name="DebtInstrumentCarryingAmountNetOfCash" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_DebtInstrumentFutureMaturitiesByDebtCategoryAxis" name="DebtInstrumentFutureMaturitiesByDebtCategoryAxis" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_DebtInstrumentFutureMaturitiesByDebtCategoryDomain" name="DebtInstrumentFutureMaturitiesByDebtCategoryDomain" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedFairValueAdjustment" name="DebtInstrumentUnamortizedFairValueAdjustment" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAndOtherLiabilities" name="DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAndOtherLiabilities" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_DevelopmentProjectsMember" name="DevelopmentProjectsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_DirectCostsofLeasingandOperatingMedicalOfficeBuildings" name="DirectCostsofLeasingandOperatingMedicalOfficeBuildings" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_DirectCostsofLeasingandOperatingSeniorLivingRealEstateProperty" name="DirectCostsofLeasingandOperatingSeniorLivingRealEstateProperty" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationDirectCostsOfLeasedAndRentedPropertyOrEquipment" name="DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationDirectCostsOfLeasedAndRentedPropertyOrEquipment" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationExtinguishmentofDebtGainLossNet" name="DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationExtinguishmentofDebtGainLossNet" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationInterestAndOtherIncome" name="DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationInterestAndOtherIncome" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherExpenses" name="DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherExpenses" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherRealEstateRevenue" name="DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherRealEstateRevenue" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_Dispositions2013Member" name="Dispositions2013Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_Dispositions2014Member" name="Dispositions2014Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" name="DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_EffectOfDilutiveSecuritiesRestrictedStockAwards" name="EffectOfDilutiveSecuritiesRestrictedStockAwards" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_EightPercentLoanReceivableMaturingin2017Member" name="EightPercentLoanReceivableMaturingin2017Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_EmeritusCorporationMember" name="EmeritusCorporationMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_ExpectedSaleofStockConsiderationReceivedOnTransaction" name="ExpectedSaleofStockConsiderationReceivedOnTransaction" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_ExpectedSaleofStockPricePerShare" name="ExpectedSaleofStockPricePerShare" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:perShareItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsRelatedToAcquiredLeases" name="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsRelatedToAcquiredLeases" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_FiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesAccumulatedAmortization" name="FiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesAccumulatedAmortization" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_FiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesBelowMarketLeasesRemainingWeightedAverageAmortizationPeriod" name="FiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesBelowMarketLeasesRemainingWeightedAverageAmortizationPeriod" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_FiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesNet" name="FiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesNet" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_FiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesOtherLeaseIntangiblesRemainingWeightedAverageAmortizationPeriod" name="FiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesOtherLeaseIntangiblesRemainingWeightedAverageAmortizationPeriod" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_FiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesRemainingWeightedAverageAmortizationPeriod" name="FiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesRemainingWeightedAverageAmortizationPeriod" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_FivePointFourFivePercentSeniorNotesDue2043Member" name="FivePointFourFivePercentSeniorNotesDue2043Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_FivePointSevenZeroPercentSeniorNotesDue2043Member" name="FivePointSevenZeroPercentSeniorNotesDue2043Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_FourPercentSeniorNotesDue2019Member" name="FourPercentSeniorNotesDue2019Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_FourPointSevenFiveZeroPercentSeniorNotesDue2021Member" name="FourPointSevenFiveZeroPercentSeniorNotesDue2021Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_FourPointTwoFivePercentSeniorNotesDue2022Member" name="FourPointTwoFivePercentSeniorNotesDue2022Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_GainLossOnRemeasurementOfEquityMethodInvestment" name="GainLossOnRemeasurementOfEquityMethodInvestment" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_GainLossonDispositionofRealEstate" name="GainLossonDispositionofRealEstate" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_Gainonrealestatedispositionsnotincludedindiscontinuedoperations" name="Gainonrealestatedispositionsnotincludedindiscontinuedoperations" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_GoodwillAndOtherFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross" name="GoodwillAndOtherFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_GoodwillAndOtherFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" name="GoodwillAndOtherFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_HolidayRetirementMember" name="HolidayRetirementMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_HospitalsMedicalOfficeBuildingAndOtherMember" name="HospitalsMedicalOfficeBuildingAndOtherMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsAndRemeasurementGainOnEquityInterestInAcquiree" name="IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsAndRemeasurementGainOnEquityInterestInAcquiree" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToOpUnits" name="IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToOpUnits" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesPurchaseOptions" name="IndefiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesPurchaseOptions" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_IntangibleAssetsIntangibleLiabilitiesAndGoodwillDisclosureAbstract" name="IntangibleAssetsIntangibleLiabilitiesAndGoodwillDisclosureAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_IntangibleLiabilitiesAbstract" name="IntangibleLiabilitiesAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_IntangiblesDisclosureTextBlock" name="IntangiblesDisclosureTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_IntangiblesTableTextBlock" name="IntangiblesTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_IntercompanyLiabilities" name="IntercompanyLiabilities" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_InterestAndOtherIncomePropertyOperatingExpensesBuildingServiceCostsAbstract" name="InterestAndOtherIncomePropertyOperatingExpensesBuildingServiceCostsAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_KindredMember" name="KindredMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_LeaseTerminationFees" name="LeaseTerminationFees" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_LeasesAcquiredInPlaceAndOtherLeaseIntangiblesMember" name="LeasesAcquiredInPlaceAndOtherLeaseIntangiblesMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_LoansReceivableAndInvestmentsAbstract" name="LoansReceivableAndInvestmentsAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_LoansReceivableAndInvestmentsTableTextBlock" name="LoansReceivableAndInvestmentsTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_LoansReceivableAndInvestmentsTextBlock" name="LoansReceivableAndInvestmentsTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_ManagementFeeAndConstructionRevenue" name="ManagementFeeAndConstructionRevenue" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_MarketableDebtAndEquitySecuritiesMember" name="MarketableDebtAndEquitySecuritiesMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_MedicalOfficeBuildingOperationsMember" name="MedicalOfficeBuildingOperationsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_MedicalOfficeBuildingsMember" name="MedicalOfficeBuildingsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_MortgageLoansAndOtherMember" name="MortgageLoansAndOtherMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_MortgageLoansHeldforSaleMember" name="MortgageLoansHeldforSaleMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateFairValue" name="MortgageLoansOnRealEstateFairValue" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_NetChangeInIntercompanyDebt" name="NetChangeInIntercompanyDebt" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_NetOperatingIncomeMember" name="NetOperatingIncomeMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_NhppmblpMember" name="NhppmblpMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_Noi" name="Noi" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_NonCashAdjustmentGainLossonLoanInvestments" name="NonCashAdjustmentGainLossonLoanInvestments" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionDeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesAssumed" name="NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionDeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesAssumed" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_NoncontrollingInterestAssetsAndLiabilitiesAssumedFromAcquisitions" name="NoncontrollingInterestAssetsAndLiabilitiesAssumedFromAcquisitions" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_NoncontrollingInterestPeriodIncreaseDecreaseincludingtheimpacttoEquity" name="NoncontrollingInterestPeriodIncreaseDecreaseincludingtheimpacttoEquity" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_NoticePeriodToCancelLeaseAgreementsByResident" name="NoticePeriodToCancelLeaseAgreementsByResident" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_NumberOfIndependentThirdPartyManagedProperties" name="NumberOfIndependentThirdPartyManagedProperties" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_NumberOfPropertiesClassifiedAsHeldForSale" name="NumberOfPropertiesClassifiedAsHeldForSale" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_NumberOfPropertiesIncludedInInvestmentsInUnconsolidatedEntities" name="NumberOfPropertiesIncludedInInvestmentsInUnconsolidatedEntities" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_NumberOfPropertiesLeasedAndExpectedToBeSold" name="NumberOfPropertiesLeasedAndExpectedToBeSold" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_NumberOfPropertiesLeasedAndExpectedToBeSoldRentObligationRequired" name="NumberOfPropertiesLeasedAndExpectedToBeSoldRentObligationRequired" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_NumberOfPropertiesLeasedTransitionedOrSold" name="NumberOfPropertiesLeasedTransitionedOrSold" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_NumberOfPropertiesLeasedUnderTripleNetLeases" name="NumberOfPropertiesLeasedUnderTripleNetLeases" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_NumberOfPropertiesWithLeasesSetToExpire" name="NumberOfPropertiesWithLeasesSetToExpire" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_NumberOfProvincesInWhichEntityOperates" name="NumberOfProvincesInWhichEntityOperates" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesSold" name="NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesSold" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_NumberOfStatesAccountingForMoreThanTenPercentOfNetOperatingIncome" name="NumberOfStatesAccountingForMoreThanTenPercentOfNetOperatingIncome" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_NumberOfStatesAccountingForMoreThanTenPercentOfRevenues" name="NumberOfStatesAccountingForMoreThanTenPercentOfRevenues" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_OnePointFiveFivePercentSeniorNotesDue2016Member" name="OnePointFiveFivePercentSeniorNotesDue2016Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_OnePointTwoFiveZeroPercentSeniorNotesDue2017Member" name="OnePointTwoFiveZeroPercentSeniorNotesDue2017Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_OtherFiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesGross" name="OtherFiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesGross" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_PaymentForDevelopmentProjectExpenditures" name="PaymentForDevelopmentProjectExpenditures" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_PrincipalAmountDueAtMaturityMember" name="PrincipalAmountDueAtMaturityMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_ProceedsFromDispositionOfAssetsIncludingTerminationFees" name="ProceedsFromDispositionOfAssetsIncludingTerminationFees" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_PropertySubjectToOperatingLeaseByLessorAxis" name="PropertySubjectToOperatingLeaseByLessorAxis" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_PropertySubjectToOperatingLeaseByLessorDomain" name="PropertySubjectToOperatingLeaseByLessorDomain" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_PublicOfferingPriceAsPercentOfPar" name="PublicOfferingPriceAsPercentOfPar" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization" name="RealEstateInvestmentPropertyAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_RealEstatePropertiesTotalGrossBookValueMember" name="RealEstatePropertiesTotalGrossBookValueMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_RentalIncomeFromMedicalOfficeBuildings" name="RentalIncomeFromMedicalOfficeBuildings" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_RentalIncomeFromTripleNetLeases" name="RentalIncomeFromTripleNetLeases" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_RevenuesMember" name="RevenuesMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_ScheduledPeriodicAmortizationMember" name="ScheduledPeriodicAmortizationMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_SecuredLoansUnsecuredLoansAndOtherAvailableForSaleSecurities" name="SecuredLoansUnsecuredLoansAndOtherAvailableForSaleSecurities" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_SecuredLoansUnsecuredLoansAndOtherAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost" name="SecuredLoansUnsecuredLoansAndOtherAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_SecuredLoansUnsecuredLoansAndOtherAvailableForSaleSecuritiesFairValue" name="SecuredLoansUnsecuredLoansAndOtherAvailableForSaleSecuritiesFairValue" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_SecuredMortgageLoansAndOtherMember" name="SecuredMortgageLoansAndOtherMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_SecuredNotesAndLoansReceivableNet" name="SecuredNotesAndLoansReceivableNet" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_SecuredNotesAndLoansReceivableNetMember" name="SecuredNotesAndLoansReceivableNetMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_SegmentReportingInformationExpendituresForAdditionsToLongLivedAssetsAbstract" name="SegmentReportingInformationExpendituresForAdditionsToLongLivedAssetsAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_SegmentReportingInformationSegmentProfit" name="SegmentReportingInformationSegmentProfit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_SeniorHousingCommunitiesMember" name="SeniorHousingCommunitiesMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_SeniorLivingOperationsMember" name="SeniorLivingOperationsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_SeniorsHousingCommunitiesMember" name="SeniorsHousingCommunitiesMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_SixPercentSeniorNotesDue2015Member" name="SixPercentSeniorNotesDue2015Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_SixPointFiveNinePercentSeniorNotesDue2038Member" name="SixPointFiveNinePercentSeniorNotesDue2038Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_SixPointNineZeroPercentSeniorNotesDue2037Member" name="SixPointNineZeroPercentSeniorNotesDue2037Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_SixPointTwoFivePercentSeniorNotesDue2013Member" name="SixPointTwoFivePercentSeniorNotesDue2013Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_SkilledNursingFacilitiesMember" name="SkilledNursingFacilitiesMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_SunriseMember" name="SunriseMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_SupremeCourtStateOfNewYorkCountyOfNewYorkMember" name="SupremeCourtStateOfNewYorkCountyOfNewYorkMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_TermOfResidentLeaseAgreementsMaximum" name="TermOfResidentLeaseAgreementsMaximum" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_TermOfResidentLeaseAgreementsMinimum" name="TermOfResidentLeaseAgreementsMinimum" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_ThreePointOneTwoFivePercentSeniorNotesDue2015Member" name="ThreePointOneTwoFivePercentSeniorNotesDue2015Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_ThreePointSevenFiveZeroPercentSeniorNotesDue2024Member" name="ThreePointSevenFiveZeroPercentSeniorNotesDue2024Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_ThreePointTwoFivePercentSeniorNotesDue2022Member" name="ThreePointTwoFivePercentSeniorNotesDue2022Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_TripleNetLeasedPropertiesMember" name="TripleNetLeasedPropertiesMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_TwoMedicalOfficeBuildingsAcquiredMarch2013Member" name="TwoMedicalOfficeBuildingsAcquiredMarch2013Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_TwoPercentSeniorNotesDue2018Member" name="TwoPercentSeniorNotesDue2018Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_TwoPointSevenPercentSeniorNotesDue2020Member" name="TwoPointSevenPercentSeniorNotesDue2020Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_UnamortizedDiscounts" name="UnamortizedDiscounts" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_UnitConversionFactorForCommonStock" name="UnitConversionFactorForCommonStock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_UnitedStatesDistrictCourtMarylandMember" name="UnitedStatesDistrictCourtMarylandMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_UnsecuredLineOfCreditMember" name="UnsecuredLineOfCreditMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_UnsecuredMortgageLoansReceivableMember" name="UnsecuredMortgageLoansReceivableMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="vtr_UnsecuredNotesandLoansReceivableNetFairValueDisclosure" name="UnsecuredNotesandLoansReceivableNetFairValueDisclosure" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_UnsecuredRevolvingCreditFacilitiesMember" name="UnsecuredRevolvingCreditFacilitiesMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_UnsecuredTermLoanDue2015Member" name="UnsecuredTermLoanDue2015Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_UnsecuredTermLoanDue2018NumberTwoMember" name="UnsecuredTermLoanDue2018NumberTwoMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_UnsecuredTermLoanDue2019Member" name="UnsecuredTermLoanDue2019Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_UnsecuredTermLoanMember" name="UnsecuredTermLoanMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="vtr_VentasRealtyLimitedPartnershipMember" name="VentasRealtyLimitedPartnershipMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
</xsd:schema>


