Which range describes the typical 30-day readmission rate after discharge in older adults?

Which range describes the typical 30-day readmission rate after discharge in older adults?

• A. 1-5%.
• B. 5-10%.
• C. 15-20%.
• D. 25-30%.

Answer: (C)

In older adults, being readmitted to the hospital within 30 days after discharge is common, reflecting the complexity of care transitions and higher burden of chronic illness, frailty, and functional decline. Across large studies and national data, about one in six to one in five older patients are readmitted within a month, which corresponds to roughly 15-20%. Ranges much lower than this (1-5% or 5-10%) understate the typical burden seen in this population, while the 25-30% range is higher than what’s typically observed in broad older-adult groups, though it can occur in high-risk subgroups. Therefore, 15-20% best represents the usual rate.

In older adults, being readmitted to the hospital within 30 days after discharge is common, reflecting the complexity of care transitions and higher burden of chronic illness, frailty, and functional decline. Across large studies and national data, about one in six to one in five older patients are readmitted within a month, which corresponds to roughly 15-20%.

Ranges much lower than this (1-5% or 5-10%) understate the typical burden seen in this population, while the 25-30% range is higher than what’s typically observed in broad older-adult groups, though it can occur in high-risk subgroups. Therefore, 15-20% best represents the usual rate.