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  <xs:element id="nhi_NonportfolioAssetsOriginalCost" abstract="false" name="NonportfolioAssetsOriginalCost" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_NumberOfHealthCarePropertiesRelatedToMortgageNotesReceivables" abstract="false" name="NumberOfHealthCarePropertiesRelatedToMortgageNotesReceivables" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_MerrillGardensManagedPortfolioMember" abstract="true" name="MerrillGardensManagedPortfolioMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_ResidencyAgreementTerm" abstract="false" name="ResidencyAgreementTerm" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_RealEstateServicesFeePercentFee" abstract="false" name="RealEstateServicesFeePercentFee" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_RealEstateInvestmentsSegmentMember" abstract="true" name="RealEstateInvestmentsSegmentMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_FellowshipMember" abstract="true" name="FellowshipMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_AllegroLivingManagementMember" abstract="true" name="AllegroLivingManagementMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_GenerationsLLCMember" abstract="true" name="GenerationsLLCMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_OtherAssetsAndLiabilitiesMember" abstract="true" name="OtherAssetsAndLiabilitiesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_BrookRetirementCommunitiesMember" abstract="true" name="BrookRetirementCommunitiesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_PruittHealthOrangeburgMember" abstract="true" name="PruittHealthOrangeburgMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_BickfordSeniorLivingMember" abstract="true" name="BickfordSeniorLivingMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_SanteSilverdaleMember" abstract="true" name="SanteSilverdaleMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_WingateLivingMember" abstract="true" name="WingateLivingMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_A2026AssetAcquisitionMember" abstract="true" name="A2026AssetAcquisitionMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationNumberOfPropertiesSold" abstract="false" name="DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationNumberOfPropertiesSold" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_SecuredByRealEstateMember" abstract="true" name="SecuredByRealEstateMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_NotSecuredByRealEstateMember" abstract="true" name="NotSecuredByRealEstateMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_FullyFundedMember" abstract="true" name="FullyFundedMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_NegotiationsToSaleMember" abstract="true" name="NegotiationsToSaleMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_BickfordNoteInvestmentMember" abstract="true" name="BickfordNoteInvestmentMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_SeniorLivingCommunitiesLLCMember" abstract="true" name="SeniorLivingCommunitiesLLCMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_SeniorLivingCommunitiesAffiliateMember" abstract="true" name="SeniorLivingCommunitiesAffiliateMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_EBITDARMCoverage10xTo15xMember" abstract="true" name="EBITDARMCoverage10xTo15xMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_SLMMember" abstract="true" name="SLMMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_BickfordMember" abstract="true" name="BickfordMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_MezzanineMember" abstract="true" name="MezzanineMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_FinancingReceivableStatedInterestRate" abstract="false" name="FinancingReceivableStatedInterestRate" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_IncreaseInMortgageNoteReceivableFromSaleOfRealEstate" abstract="false" name="IncreaseInMortgageNoteReceivableFromSaleOfRealEstate" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_NoteReceivableInterestRate" abstract="false" name="NoteReceivableInterestRate" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_LoansAndLeaseReceivableMaximumRevolvingAmount" abstract="false" name="LoansAndLeaseReceivableMaximumRevolvingAmount" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_LoansReceivableDescriptionVariableRateBasisReferenceRate" abstract="false" name="LoansReceivableDescriptionVariableRateBasisReferenceRate" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_FinancingReceivableLineOfCreditOutstandingAmount" abstract="false" name="FinancingReceivableLineOfCreditOutstandingAmount" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_FinancingReceivableNonPerformingLoans" abstract="false" name="FinancingReceivableNonPerformingLoans" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_ProbabilityOfDefaultIncreaseCurrentConditionsAdjustment" abstract="false" name="ProbabilityOfDefaultIncreaseCurrentConditionsAdjustment" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_EstimatedCreditLossesCurrentConditionsAdjustmentCombined" abstract="false" name="EstimatedCreditLossesCurrentConditionsAdjustmentCombined" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_EBITDARMCoverageAbove15xMember" abstract="true" name="EBITDARMCoverageAbove15xMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_EBITDARMCoverageLessThan10xMember" abstract="true" name="EBITDARMCoverageLessThan10xMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_EBITDARMNoCoverageMember" abstract="true" name="EBITDARMNoCoverageMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_RevolvingCreditFacilitiesMember" abstract="true" name="RevolvingCreditFacilitiesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_LesseeOperatingLeaseNumberOfRenewalOptions" abstract="false" name="LesseeOperatingLeaseNumberOfRenewalOptions" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_ScheduleOfFixedAndVariableLeasePaymentsTable" abstract="true" name="ScheduleOfFixedAndVariableLeasePaymentsTable" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_FixedLeaseEscalationMember" abstract="true" name="FixedLeaseEscalationMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_VariableLeaseEscalationMember" abstract="true" name="VariableLeaseEscalationMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_StraightLineRentIncomeMember" abstract="true" name="StraightLineRentIncomeMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_EscrowFundsReceivedFromTenantsMember" abstract="true" name="EscrowFundsReceivedFromTenantsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_LeaseIncentivesMember" abstract="true" name="LeaseIncentivesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_ScheduleOfFixedAndVariableLeasePaymentsLineItems" abstract="true" name="ScheduleOfFixedAndVariableLeasePaymentsLineItems" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_SubleasedFacilitiesMember" abstract="true" name="SubleasedFacilitiesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_PercentageRentRate" abstract="false" name="PercentageRentRate" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_ScheduleOfTenantConcentrationTable" abstract="true" name="ScheduleOfTenantConcentrationTable" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_TenantsWithEscrowFundsMember" abstract="true" name="TenantsWithEscrowFundsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_LessThan10OperatorsMember" abstract="true" name="LessThan10OperatorsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_MoreThan10OperatorsMember" abstract="true" name="MoreThan10OperatorsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_ResidentFeesAndServicesMember" abstract="true" name="ResidentFeesAndServicesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_TenantConcentrationLineItems" abstract="true" name="TenantConcentrationLineItems" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_OperatingLeaseLeaseIncomeEscrowFunds" abstract="false" name="OperatingLeaseLeaseIncomeEscrowFunds" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_PercentageOfTotalRevenues" abstract="false" name="PercentageOfTotalRevenues" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_LeaseOptionAxis" abstract="true" name="LeaseOptionAxis" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_LeaseOptionDomain" abstract="true" name="LeaseOptionDomain" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_NHC1991LeaseMember" abstract="true" name="NHC1991LeaseMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_ScheduleOfTenantConcentrationLineItems" abstract="true" name="ScheduleOfTenantConcentrationLineItems" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_RealEstatePropertiesAnnualLeaseBaseRentAmount" abstract="false" name="RealEstatePropertiesAnnualLeaseBaseRentAmount" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_RealEstatePropertiesAnnualLeaseEscalatorPercentage" abstract="false" name="RealEstatePropertiesAnnualLeaseEscalatorPercentage" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_LeaseMaximumCapitalImprovementsCommitment" abstract="false" name="LeaseMaximumCapitalImprovementsCommitment" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_OperatingLeaseAnnualRentIncrease" abstract="false" name="OperatingLeaseAnnualRentIncrease" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_MasterLeaseAmendmentsFundedAmount" abstract="false" name="MasterLeaseAmendmentsFundedAmount" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_CashBasisLesseesMember" abstract="true" name="CashBasisLesseesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_LessorNumberOfOperatorsConvertedToCashBasisAccounting" abstract="false" name="LessorNumberOfOperatorsConvertedToCashBasisAccounting" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_LeaseOptionBetween2029And2031Member" abstract="true" name="LeaseOptionBetween2029And2031Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_TimberRidgeOpCoMember" abstract="true" name="TimberRidgeOpCoMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_LCSTimberRidgeMember" abstract="true" name="LCSTimberRidgeMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_RealEstateOperatingCompanyMember" abstract="true" name="RealEstateOperatingCompanyMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_CumulativeAmountMember" abstract="true" name="CumulativeAmountMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_OperatingLeaseLeaseIncomeAmortizationAndWriteOffOfLeaseIncentives" abstract="false" name="OperatingLeaseLeaseIncomeAmortizationAndWriteOffOfLeaseIncentives" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_EquityMethodInvestmentUnrealizedGainLossOnDisposal" abstract="false" name="EquityMethodInvestmentUnrealizedGainLossOnDisposal" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_RealEstateInvestmentsAccountsReceivableAndOtherAssets" abstract="false" name="RealEstateInvestmentsAccountsReceivableAndOtherAssets" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_LesseeOperatingLeaseLeaseIncentive" abstract="false" name="LesseeOperatingLeaseLeaseIncentive" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueAfterYearFour" abstract="false" name="LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueAfterYearFour" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_BankTermLoansMember" abstract="true" name="BankTermLoansMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_SeniorNotesDue2031Member" abstract="true" name="SeniorNotesDue2031Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_SeniorNotesDue2033Member" abstract="true" name="SeniorNotesDue2033Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_A300MTermLoanMember" abstract="true" name="A300MTermLoanMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_DebtInstrumentExtensionPeriod" abstract="false" name="DebtInstrumentExtensionPeriod" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_DebtInstrumentNumberOfTwelveMonthExtensionOptions" abstract="false" name="DebtInstrumentNumberOfTwelveMonthExtensionOptions" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_DebtInstrumentExtensionPeriodOne" abstract="false" name="DebtInstrumentExtensionPeriodOne" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_PercentageOfIssuePriceOnFaceValue" abstract="false" name="PercentageOfIssuePriceOnFaceValue" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_DebtLeverageLimitCouponChangeTrigger" abstract="false" name="DebtLeverageLimitCouponChangeTrigger" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_AmortizationOfFinancingCostsExclusiveOfAmountsWrittenOff" abstract="false" name="AmortizationOfFinancingCostsExclusiveOfAmountsWrittenOff" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_NotesReceivableRemainUnfundedMember" abstract="true" name="NotesReceivableRemainUnfundedMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_DevelopmentCommitmentMember" abstract="true" name="DevelopmentCommitmentMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_LeaseInducementMember" abstract="true" name="LeaseInducementMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_NumberOfOperatorsTenants" abstract="false" name="NumberOfOperatorsTenants" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_NumberOfProperties" abstract="false" name="NumberOfProperties" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_MaximumCommitmentForAllActiveDevelopmentProjects" abstract="false" name="MaximumCommitmentForAllActiveDevelopmentProjects" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_ContingentFundingCommitment" abstract="false" name="ContingentFundingCommitment" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_LessorNumberOfLeaseAgreements" abstract="false" name="LessorNumberOfLeaseAgreements" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_CommitmentAndContingenciesTable" abstract="true" name="CommitmentAndContingenciesTable" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_CommitmentAndContingenciesLineItems" abstract="true" name="CommitmentAndContingenciesLineItems" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_OffBalanceSheetCreditLossRollForward" abstract="true" name="OffBalanceSheetCreditLossRollForward" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_DiscoveryManagedPortfolioMember" abstract="true" name="DiscoveryManagedPortfolioMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_PreferredEquityInterestMember" abstract="true" name="PreferredEquityInterestMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_CommonEquityInterestMember" abstract="true" name="CommonEquityInterestMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_SixSeniorHousingPropertiesMember" abstract="true" name="SixSeniorHousingPropertiesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_EquityMethodInvestmentIncreaseInOwnershipPercent" abstract="false" name="EquityMethodInvestmentIncreaseInOwnershipPercent" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_RelatedPartiesPropertiesInLeaseTerminationAgreement" abstract="false" name="RelatedPartiesPropertiesInLeaseTerminationAgreement" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_NoncontrollingInterestEquityAcquiredPercentage" abstract="false" name="NoncontrollingInterestEquityAcquiredPercentage" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_InterestInJointVenturePercentage" abstract="false" name="InterestInJointVenturePercentage" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_ContributionsAttributableToRedeemableNoncontrollingInterest" abstract="false" name="ContributionsAttributableToRedeemableNoncontrollingInterest" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_AtTheMarketMaturesInQ22026Member" abstract="true" name="AtTheMarketMaturesInQ22026Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_SaleOfStockEquitySalesAgreementsSettled" abstract="false" name="SaleOfStockEquitySalesAgreementsSettled" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_TwoThousandNineteenStockAwardPlanMember" abstract="true" name="TwoThousandNineteenStockAwardPlanMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_ShareBasedPaymentArrangementNonvestedAwardCostNotYetRecognizedAmountRecognized" abstract="false" name="ShareBasedPaymentArrangementNonvestedAwardCostNotYetRecognizedAmountRecognized" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardPostVestingHoldPeriod" abstract="false" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardPostVestingHoldPeriod" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_RestrictedStockAwardsAndRestrictedStockUnitsMember" abstract="true" name="RestrictedStockAwardsAndRestrictedStockUnitsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_FixedInterestRateDebtMember" abstract="true" name="FixedInterestRateDebtMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_VariableInterestRateDebtMember" abstract="true" name="VariableInterestRateDebtMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsLineItems" abstract="true" name="FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsLineItems" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_UtilitiesExpense" abstract="false" name="UtilitiesExpense" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_DietaryExpense" abstract="false" name="DietaryExpense" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_RealEstateTaxesAndInsuranceAdjusted" abstract="false" name="RealEstateTaxesAndInsuranceAdjusted" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_OtherSeniorHousingOperatingExpenses" abstract="false" name="OtherSeniorHousingOperatingExpenses" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_NetOperatingIncome" abstract="false" name="NetOperatingIncome" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesAcquired" abstract="false" name="NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesAcquired" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_SeniorLivingManagementMember" abstract="true" name="SeniorLivingManagementMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_EncoreSeniorLivingMember" abstract="true" name="EncoreSeniorLivingMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_SeniorLivingHospitalityGroupMember" abstract="true" name="SeniorLivingHospitalityGroupMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_MontecitoMedicalRealEstateMember" abstract="true" name="MontecitoMedicalRealEstateMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_VizionHealthMember" abstract="true" name="VizionHealthMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_NavionSeniorSolutionsMember" abstract="true" name="NavionSeniorSolutionsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_MainstayHealthcareMaitlandLLCMember" abstract="true" name="MainstayHealthcareMaitlandLLCMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_SeniorResidentialRealtyLPMember" abstract="true" name="SeniorResidentialRealtyLPMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_SourceOfExposureAxis" abstract="true" name="SourceOfExposureAxis" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_SourceOfExposureDomain" abstract="true" name="SourceOfExposureDomain" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_NotesAndStraightLineRentReceivableMember" abstract="true" name="NotesAndStraightLineRentReceivableMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_NoteMember" abstract="true" name="NoteMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_NotesMember" abstract="true" name="NotesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_VariousMember" abstract="true" name="VariousMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_VariableInterestEntityReportingEntityInvolvementCarryingAmount" abstract="false" name="VariableInterestEntityReportingEntityInvolvementCarryingAmount" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="nhi_VariableInterestEntityReportingEntityInvolvementMaximumLossExposureNetAmount" abstract="false" name="VariableInterestEntityReportingEntityInvolvementMaximumLossExposureNetAmount" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
</xs:schema>
