Frailty and Functional Dependence

Dementia and being bedridden were both important independent predictors of 30-day readmission. Patients aged 75 or older with dementia after surgical admission had a readmission rate of 21.1%, the highest reported subgroup rate. Bedridden, sarcopenic, or malnourished patients showed higher readmission rates after medical admission in both age groups, approximately 14%. The frailty findings highlight non-oncological palliative care needs among older patients, suggesting that recognising palliative approaches may reduce inappropriate hospitalisation.