Approximately 20% of Medicare beneficiaries are readmitted within 30 days of discharge from the hospital, costing $17.4 billion per year.1 A number of studies have examined the factors associated with risk of hospital readmissions.1 To the best of the knowledge of the authors of the current study, no studies have examined the characteristics of individuals who are on their second hospital stay. Identification of these characteristics is important for quality care, better interventions, and economic reasons.2 This study was performed to examine the characteristics and vulnerabilities of individuals aged 65 and older who had a second hospital stay within 30 days of discharge.