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AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to create a holistic understanding of the psychosocial processes of older persons with multiple chronic conditions' experience with unplanned readmission experiences within 30 days of discharge home and identify factors influencing these psychosocial processes. DESIGN Mixed methods systematic review. DATA SOURCES Six electronic databases (Ovid MEDLINE (R) All 1946-present, Scopus, CINAHL, Embase, PsychINFO and Web of Science). REVIEW METHODS Peer-reviewed articles published between 2010 and 2021 and addressed study aims (n = 6116) were screened. Studies were categorised by method: qualitative and quantitative. Qualitative data synthesis used a meta-synthesis approach and applied thematic analysis. Quantitative data synthesis used vote counting. Data (qualitative and quantitative) were integrated through aggregation and configuration. RESULTS Ten articles (n = 5 qualitative; n = 5 quantitative) were included. 'Safeguarding survival' described older persons' unplanned readmission experience. Older persons experienced three psychosocial processes: identifying missing pieces of care, reaching for lifelines and feeling unsafe. Factors influencing these psychosocial processes included chronic conditions and discharge diagnosis, increased assistance with functional needs, lack of discharge planning, lack of support, increased intensity of symptoms and previous hospital readmission experiences. CONCLUSIONS Older persons felt more unsafe as their symptoms increased in intensity and unmanageability. Unplanned readmission was an action older persons required to safeguard their recovery and survival. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Nurses play a critical role in assessing and addressing factors that influence older persons' unplanned readmission. Identifying older persons' knowledge about chronic conditions, discharge planning, support (caregivers and community services), changes in functional needs, intensity of symptoms and past readmission experiences may prepare older persons to cope with their return home. Focusing on their health-care needs across the continuum of care (community, home and hospital) will mitigate the risks for unplanned readmission within 30 days of discharge. REPORTING METHOD PRISMA guidelines. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION No patient or public contribution due to design.