Between 1975 and 1985, nursing-home occupancy rates averaged 87% of capacity, while admission rates remained constant, at an average of 95 admissions per 1,000 beds per year. Between 1985 and 1988, however, occupancy rates rose to an average of 92% of capacity, while admission rates declined to 81 per 1,000 beds per year.

If the statements above are true, which of the following conclusions can be most properly drawn?

A: The average length of time nursing-home residents stayed in nursing homes increased between 1985 and 1988.
B: The proportion of older people living in nursing homes was greater in 1988 than in 1975.
C: Nursing home admission rates tend to decline whenever occupancy rates rise.
D: Nursing homes built prior to 1985 generally had fewer beds than did nursing homes built between 1985 and 1988.
E: The more beds a nursing has, the higher its occupancy rate is likely to be.
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agree with A)

C) should be out because there is no proven correlation stated in the argument between the admission and occupancy rates

Lot of great explanations

obviously (A)

Hi dispaksingh,
I initially had a same question as you did here. My comments are inserted below.

occupancy rate- what i understand, a occupancy rate of 87% per year means that 87 beds were occupied through out the whole year.

---> I think you are right.

admission rate- a admission rate of 95 per year, means that a single bed was occupied by 95 diff patients in a year

---> I saw 95 admissions per 1,000 beds per year is just a reference for you to know whether you have the higher admission rate between 85 & 88 and 75 and 85 compared to occupancy rate between the same timeframe.

We don't know the total number of beds in 85 or 88, but assuming the total beds are 1,000(as an example), 870 beds(87%) were occupied in 85 and 920(92%) in 88. 870 can be split into 775 and 95(new admission) and also 920 into 839 and 81.

Clearly, you will see 775 is increased to 839 which correlates to the choice A's conclusion.

That's my thought. Let me know should you have any other idea or question. Thank you.



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1) 1975-1985: Nursing home occupancy rates averaged 87%, admission rates averaged 95 admissions per 1000 beds per year

2) 1985-1988: Nursing home occupancy rates averaged 92%, admission rates averaged 81 admissions per 1000 beds per year.

If the statements above are true, which of the following conclusions can be most properly drawn?

A: The average length of time nursing-home residents stayed in nursing homes increased between 1985 and 1988.
- People stayed longer would cause the occupancy rate to go up, since they would occupy the beds they already occupied when they were first admitted.

B: The proportion of older people living in nursing homes was greater in 1988 than in 1975.
- This we can't be sure as well. We only know the percentage, not the actual figures.

C: Nursing home admission rates tend to decline whenever occupancy rates rise.
- Can't make the correlation based on two piece of data.

D: Nursing homes built prior to 1985 generally had fewer beds than did nursing homes built between 1985 and 1988.
- Can't be sure. The admission rate can drop for a variety of reasons - from having more beds, to less people inclined to stay in nursing homes

E: The more beds a nursing has, the higher its occupancy rate is likely to be.
- Can't make the correlation.

I'll take A.

Thanks for the great discussions. The OA is A.
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