Between 1975 and 1985, nursing-home occupancy rates averaged 87 percent of capacity, while admission rates remained constant, at an average...
GMAT Critical Reasoning : (CR) Questions
Between 1975 and 1985, nursing-home occupancy rates averaged 87 percent 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 percent 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?
Passage Visualization
| Passage Statement | Visualization and Linkage |
|---|---|
| Between 1975 and 1985, nursing-home occupancy rates averaged 87 percent of capacity, while admission rates remained constant, at an average of 95 admissions per 1,000 beds per year. | Period 1 Baseline (1975-1985):
Concrete Example: In a 1,000-bed facility:
|
| Between 1985 and 1988, however, occupancy rates rose to an average of 92 percent of capacity, while admission rates declined to 81 per 1,000 beds per year. | Period 2 Changes (1985-1988):
Concrete Example: Same 1,000-bed facility:
|
| Overall Implication: The data reveals a counterintuitive pattern: nursing homes became MORE occupied while admitting FEWER new residents. This suggests that existing residents are staying longer in nursing homes. In practical terms: if fewer people are entering but more beds are filled, then people already there must be remaining for extended periods. |
|
Valid Inferences
Inference: The average length of stay for nursing home residents increased between 1985 and 1988 compared to the 1975-1985 period.
Supporting Logic: Since occupancy rates rose from 87% to 92% while admission rates simultaneously declined from 95 to 81 per 1,000 beds per year, the only way to maintain higher occupancy with fewer new admissions is if existing residents remained in the facilities for longer periods. The mathematics requires that if fewer people are entering but more beds are occupied, then the people already there must be staying longer.
Clarification Note: This inference is supported by the mathematical relationship between the variables, but the passage does not provide information about the underlying reasons for longer stays, such as changes in health conditions, discharge policies, or family circumstances.