A systematic review of controlled trials of ambulatory and hospital interventions to improve physical function and maintain independent living in elderly people concluded that they were effective to achieve the goal . This review comprised only one German trial which included geriatric patient post hospital discharge . However, AGR is primarily intended to prevent hospitalisation and not as a post-discharge rehabilitation. The effectiveness of German AGR programs has not been evaluated rigorously yet. Previous studies have relied on uncontrolled study designs .