This study explored admission factors which predicted the successful return to the community of patients entering a Geriatric Assessment and Rehabilitation Program (GARP). A stepwise logistic regression technique was used to determine predictive factors from a consecutive sample of 100 medical or surgical geriatric patients admitted for a four to six week rehabilitation program. The significant independent predictors of discharge which could be determined at the time of admission were ability to safely medicate, admission from the community, GDS score and the number of supports. The ability to safely medicate may be an important but under-utilized predictor.