<?xml version="1.0" encoding="us-ascii"?>
<!--Generated by EDGARfilings PROfile 4.0.0.0 Copyright 1995 - 2015 Summit Financial Printing, LLC. All rights reserved.-->
<xs:schema targetNamespace="http://brookdale.com/20160331" elementFormDefault="qualified" xmlns:xs="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" xmlns:bkd="http://brookdale.com/20160331" xmlns:us-types="http://fasb.org/us-types/2015-01-31" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xbrli="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xmlns:invest="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013-01-31" xmlns:num="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/numeric" xmlns:nonnum="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/non-numeric" xmlns:dei="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014-01-31">
  <xs:annotation>
    <xs:appinfo>
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bkd-20160331_pre.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationLinkbaseRef" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" />
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bkd-20160331_cal.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/calculationLinkbaseRef" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" />
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bkd-20160331_def.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/definitionLinkbaseRef" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" />
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bkd-20160331_lab.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/labelLinkbaseRef" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" />
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" id="DocumentAndEntityInformation">
        <link:definition>000100 - 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 roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnaudited" id="CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnaudited">
        <link:definition>010000 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (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 roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnauditedParenthetical" id="CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnauditedParenthetical">
        <!--Parent Role: CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)-->
        <link:definition>010100 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (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 roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsUnaudited" id="CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsUnaudited">
        <link:definition>020000 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (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 roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsUnauditedParenthetical" id="CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsUnauditedParenthetical">
        <!--Parent Role: CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)-->
        <link:definition>020100 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) (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 roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeUnaudited" id="CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeUnaudited">
        <link:definition>030000 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (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 roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementOfEquityUnaudited" id="CondensedConsolidatedStatementOfEquityUnaudited">
        <link:definition>040000 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY (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 roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlowsUnaudited" id="CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlowsUnaudited">
        <link:definition>050000 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (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 roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/DescriptionOfBusiness" id="DescriptionOfBusiness">
        <link:definition>060100 - 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 roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" id="SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies">
        <link:definition>060200 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant 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 roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/EarningsPerShare" id="EarningsPerShare">
        <link:definition>060300 - Disclosure - Earnings Per 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 roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/Acquisitions" id="Acquisitions">
        <link:definition>060400 - Disclosure - Acquisitions</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/StockbasedCompensation" id="StockbasedCompensation">
        <link:definition>060500 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsNet" id="GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsNet">
        <link:definition>060600 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndLeaseholdIntangiblesNet" id="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndLeaseholdIntangiblesNet">
        <link:definition>060700 - Disclosure - Property, Plant and Equipment and Leasehold Intangibles, Net</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/Debt" id="Debt">
        <link:definition>060800 - Disclosure - 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 roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/Litigation" id="Litigation">
        <link:definition>060900 - 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 roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/SupplementalDisclosureOfCashFlowInformation" id="SupplementalDisclosureOfCashFlowInformation">
        <link:definition>061000 - Disclosure - Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow 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 roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/FacilityOperatingLeases" id="FacilityOperatingLeases">
        <link:definition>061100 - Disclosure - Facility Operating Leases</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/IncomeTaxes" id="IncomeTaxes">
        <link:definition>061200 - 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 roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/VariableInterestEntities" id="VariableInterestEntities">
        <link:definition>061300 - Disclosure - Variable Interest 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 roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/SegmentInformation" id="SegmentInformation">
        <link:definition>061400 - 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 roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/SubsequentEvents" id="SubsequentEvents">
        <link:definition>061500 - 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 roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" id="SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies">
        <!--Parent Role: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies-->
        <link:definition>070200 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant 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 roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" id="SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables">
        <!--Parent Role: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies-->
        <link:definition>080200 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (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 roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/AcquisitionsTables" id="AcquisitionsTables">
        <!--Parent Role: Acquisitions-->
        <link:definition>080400 - Disclosure - Acquisitions (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 roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/StockbasedCompensationTables" id="StockbasedCompensationTables">
        <!--Parent Role: Stock-Based Compensation-->
        <link:definition>080500 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation (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 roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsNetTables" id="GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsNetTables">
        <!--Parent Role: Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net-->
        <link:definition>080600 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net (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 roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndLeaseholdIntangiblesNetTables" id="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndLeaseholdIntangiblesNetTables">
        <!--Parent Role: Property, Plant and Equipment and Leasehold Intangibles, Net-->
        <link:definition>080700 - Disclosure - Property, Plant and Equipment and Leasehold Intangibles, Net (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 roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/DebtTables" id="DebtTables">
        <!--Parent Role: Debt-->
        <link:definition>080800 - Disclosure - 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 roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/SupplementalDisclosureOfCashFlowInformationTables" id="SupplementalDisclosureOfCashFlowInformationTables">
        <!--Parent Role: Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information-->
        <link:definition>081000 - Disclosure - Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow 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 roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/FacilityOperatingLeasesTables" id="FacilityOperatingLeasesTables">
        <!--Parent Role: Facility Operating Leases-->
        <link:definition>081100 - Disclosure - Facility Operating Leases (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 roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/VariableInterestEntitiesTables" id="VariableInterestEntitiesTables">
        <!--Parent Role: Variable Interest Entities-->
        <link:definition>081300 - Disclosure - Variable Interest Entities (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 roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/SegmentInformationTables" id="SegmentInformationTables">
        <!--Parent Role: Segment Information-->
        <link:definition>081400 - 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 roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails" id="SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails">
        <!--Parent Role: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies-->
        <link:definition>090200 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant 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 roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/EarningsPerShareDetails" id="EarningsPerShareDetails">
        <!--Parent Role: Earnings Per Share-->
        <link:definition>090300 - Disclosure - Earnings Per 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 roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/AcquisitionsDetails" id="AcquisitionsDetails">
        <!--Parent Role: Acquisitions-->
        <link:definition>090400 - Disclosure - Acquisitions (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 roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/StockbasedCompensationDetails" id="StockbasedCompensationDetails">
        <!--Parent Role: Stock-Based Compensation-->
        <link:definition>090500 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation (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 roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsNetDetails" id="GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsNetDetails">
        <!--Parent Role: Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net-->
        <link:definition>090600 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net (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 roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndLeaseholdIntangiblesNetDetails" id="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndLeaseholdIntangiblesNetDetails">
        <!--Parent Role: Property, Plant and Equipment and Leasehold Intangibles, Net-->
        <link:definition>090700 - Disclosure - Property, Plant and Equipment and Leasehold Intangibles, Net (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 roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/DebtDetails" id="DebtDetails">
        <!--Parent Role: Debt-->
        <link:definition>090800 - Disclosure - 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 roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/DebtLineOfCreditDetails" id="DebtLineOfCreditDetails">
        <!--Parent Role: Debt-->
        <link:definition>090802 - Disclosure - Debt, Line of Credit (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 roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/DebtFinancingsDetails" id="DebtFinancingsDetails">
        <!--Parent Role: Debt-->
        <link:definition>090804 - Disclosure - Debt, Financings (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 roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/SupplementalDisclosureOfCashFlowInformationDetails" id="SupplementalDisclosureOfCashFlowInformationDetails">
        <!--Parent Role: Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information-->
        <link:definition>091000 - Disclosure - Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow 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 roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/FacilityOperatingLeasesDetails" id="FacilityOperatingLeasesDetails">
        <!--Parent Role: Facility Operating Leases-->
        <link:definition>091100 - Disclosure - Facility Operating Leases (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 roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/IncomeTaxesDetails" id="IncomeTaxesDetails">
        <!--Parent Role: Income Taxes-->
        <link:definition>091200 - 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 roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/VariableInterestEntitiesDetails" id="VariableInterestEntitiesDetails">
        <!--Parent Role: Variable Interest Entities-->
        <link:definition>091300 - Disclosure - Variable Interest 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 roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/SegmentInformationDetails" id="SegmentInformationDetails">
        <!--Parent Role: Segment Information-->
        <link:definition>091400 - 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 roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/SubsequentEventsDetails" id="SubsequentEventsDetails">
        <!--Parent Role: Subsequent Events-->
        <link:definition>091500 - 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>
    </xs:appinfo>
  </xs:annotation>
  <xs:import namespace="http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2015-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd" />
  <xs:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd" />
  <xs:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd" />
  <xs:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2013-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2013/country-2013-01-31.xsd" />
  <xs:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/currency/2014-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/currency/2014/currency-2014-01-31.xsd" />
  <xs:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/exch/2015-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/exch/2015/exch-2015-01-31.xsd" />
  <xs:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/naics/2011-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/naics/2011/naics-2011-01-31.xsd" />
  <xs:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/sic/2011-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/sic/2011/sic-2011-01-31.xsd" />
  <xs:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negated" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd" />
  <xs:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/net" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/net-2009-12-16.xsd" />
  <xs:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2011-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2011/stpr-2011-01-31.xsd" />
  <xs:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-instance-2003-12-31.xsd" />
  <xs:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2004/ref" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2004/ref-2004-08-10.xsd" />
  <xs:import namespace="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd" />
  <xs:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/non-numeric" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/nonNumeric-2009-12-16.xsd" />
  <xs:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/numeric" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/numeric-2009-12-16.xsd" />
  <xs:import namespace="http://fasb.org/us-types/2015-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-types-2015-01-31.xsd" />
  <xs:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/arcrole/fact-explanatoryFact" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/arcrole/factExplanatory-2009-12-16.xsd" />
  <xs:element name="FiniteAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTableTextBlock" id="bkd_FiniteAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTableTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="LitigationAbstract" id="bkd_LitigationAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="ShareBasedCompensationSharesValuePerShare" id="bkd_ShareBasedCompensationSharesValuePerShare" type="num:perShareItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="StockBasedCompensationPercentageOfEstimatedForfeitures" id="bkd_StockBasedCompensationPercentageOfEstimatedForfeitures" type="num:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="ScheduleOfIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassTable" id="bkd_ScheduleOfIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" nillable="true" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="IntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" id="bkd_IntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" nillable="true" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="ScheduleOfIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassLineItems" id="bkd_ScheduleOfIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="IntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" id="bkd_IntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="HealthCareLicensesMember" id="bkd_HealthCareLicensesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="CcrcsEntryFeeMember" id="bkd_CcrcsEntryFeeMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="AssistedLivingMember" id="bkd_AssistedLivingMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="RetirementCentersMember" id="bkd_RetirementCentersMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="CcrcsRentalMember" id="bkd_CcrcsRentalMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="FiniteAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross" id="bkd_FiniteAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <xs:element name="CommunityPurchaseOptionsMember" id="bkd_CommunityPurchaseOptionsMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="BrookdaleAncillaryServicesMember" id="bkd_BrookdaleAncillaryServicesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="SelfInsuranceLiabilityAccrualsPolicyTextBlock" id="bkd_SelfInsuranceLiabilityAccrualsPolicyTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="OtherInformationAbstract" id="bkd_OtherInformationAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="TermOfResidencyAgreementsMinimum" id="bkd_TermOfResidencyAgreementsMinimum" type="xbrli:durationItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="TermOfResidencyAgreementsMaximum" id="bkd_TermOfResidencyAgreementsMaximum" type="xbrli:durationItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="CapitalAndFinancingLeaseObligationFairValue" id="bkd_CapitalAndFinancingLeaseObligationFairValue" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xs:element name="February2015AcquisitionOf15CommunitiesMember" id="bkd_February2015AcquisitionOf15CommunitiesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="HCPCommunityAcqusitionsMember" id="bkd_HCPCommunityAcqusitionsMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="ReversalOfDeferredLeaseLiability" id="bkd_ReversalOfDeferredLeaseLiability" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="SellerfinancedDebtMember" id="bkd_SellerfinancedDebtMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="NumberOfCommunitiesPurchasedOrSold" id="bkd_NumberOfCommunitiesPurchasedOrSold" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="Loanterm" id="bkd_Loanterm" type="xbrli:durationItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="AcquisitionOfVentureInterestMember" id="bkd_AcquisitionOfVentureInterestMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="SellerFinancingFixedRate" id="bkd_SellerFinancingFixedRate" type="num:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xs:element name="May12015PurchaseOfCommunityUnderHCPPurchaseOptionMember" id="bkd_May12015PurchaseOfCommunityUnderHCPPurchaseOptionMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="EmeritusMember" id="bkd_EmeritusMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="AmortizationOfDeferredGainsFromSaleLeasebackTransaction" id="bkd_AmortizationOfDeferredGainsFromSaleLeasebackTransaction" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <xs:element name="ProceedsFromDeferredEntranceFeeRevenue" id="bkd_ProceedsFromDeferredEntranceFeeRevenue" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <xs:element name="ChangeInDeferredLeaseLiability" id="bkd_ChangeInDeferredLeaseLiability" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <xs:element name="RefundableEntranceFeesAbstract" id="bkd_RefundableEntranceFeesAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="NoncashGainOnContractTermination" id="bkd_NoncashGainOnContractTermination" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <xs:element name="DebtInstrumentConvertibleMaximumNumberOfEquityInstrument" id="bkd_DebtInstrumentConvertibleMaximumNumberOfEquityInstrument" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="ResidentAndLeaseholdOperatingIntangiblesMember" id="bkd_ResidentAndLeaseholdOperatingIntangiblesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="FormationOfCCRCVentureWithHCPMember" id="bkd_FormationOfCCRCVentureWithHCPMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="AcquisitionOfAssetsRelatedPayablesAndCashReceivedNet" id="bkd_AcquisitionOfAssetsRelatedPayablesAndCashReceivedNet" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <xs:element name="NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionOtherCurrentAssets" id="bkd_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionOtherCurrentAssets" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <xs:element name="CapitalLeasesMember" id="bkd_CapitalLeasesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="AdditionsToPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndLeaseholdImprovementsMember" id="bkd_AdditionsToPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndLeaseholdImprovementsMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="ProceedsFromSaleOfAssetsNetMember" id="bkd_ProceedsFromSaleOfAssetsNetMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="EmeritusHCPLeaseAmendmentsMember" id="bkd_EmeritusHCPLeaseAmendmentsMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="ContributionToCCRCVentureWithHCPMember" id="bkd_ContributionToCCRCVentureWithHCPMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="FirstMortgageLoansExtinguishedInAugust2015Member" id="bkd_FirstMortgageLoansExtinguishedInAugust2015Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="FirstMortgageLoanRefinancedInMarch2016Member" id="bkd_FirstMortgageLoanRefinancedInMarch2016Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="AmortizationPeriod" id="bkd_AmortizationPeriod" type="xbrli:durationItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="NumberOfCommunitiesSecuringMortgageNotes" id="bkd_NumberOfCommunitiesSecuringMortgageNotes" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="LoansMaturingInAugust2020Member" id="bkd_LoansMaturingInAugust2020Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="FirstMortgageLoanIssuedOnApril32013Member" id="bkd_FirstMortgageLoanIssuedOnApril32013Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="LoansMaturingInAugust2023Member" id="bkd_LoansMaturingInAugust2023Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="FirstMortgageLoanIssuedInMarch2015Member" id="bkd_FirstMortgageLoanIssuedInMarch2015Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="FirstMortgageLoanIssuedInApril2015Member" id="bkd_FirstMortgageLoanIssuedInApril2015Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="FirstMortgageLoanIssuedOnAugust272015Member" id="bkd_FirstMortgageLoanIssuedOnAugust272015Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="FirstMortgageLoanRepaidInSeptember2015Member" id="bkd_FirstMortgageLoanRepaidInSeptember2015Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="FirstMortgageLoansRepaidInTheThreeMonthsEndedSeptember302015Member" id="bkd_FirstMortgageLoansRepaidInTheThreeMonthsEndedSeptember302015Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="ManagementServicesMember" id="bkd_ManagementServicesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="CashCollateralSecuringMortgages" id="bkd_CashCollateralSecuringMortgages" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <xs:element name="DiscountMortgageNotePayableDueJune2013Member" id="bkd_DiscountMortgageNotePayableDueJune2013Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="VariableRateTaxExemptBondsMember" id="bkd_VariableRateTaxExemptBondsMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="GrossDeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" id="bkd_GrossDeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <xs:element name="FederalStateAndLocalMember" id="bkd_FederalStateAndLocalMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" id="bkd_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiaryOperatingCompanyMember" id="bkd_VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiaryOperatingCompanyMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiaryRealEstateCompanyMember" id="bkd_VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiaryRealEstateCompanyMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="SwinglineLineOfCreditMember" id="bkd_SwinglineLineOfCreditMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="OptionToIncreaseMaximumBorrowingCapacityMember" id="bkd_OptionToIncreaseMaximumBorrowingCapacityMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="TermLoanMember" id="bkd_TermLoanMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xs:element name="LetterOfCreditSublimitMember" id="bkd_LetterOfCreditSublimitMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
</xs:schema>


