Purpose : The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of chronic disease and the extent of health center visiting nurse services according to disease in elderly people in one district area of Pusan, Korea. Method : This study analyzed data from records of 200 elderly persons who were recipients of government assisted visiting nurse services between July 14 and July 31. 2003. Results : All of the elders had at least one chronic disease. Of these diseases hypertension ranked the highest (prevalence = 115, 57.5%), followed by arthritis (78, 39.0%) and then diabetes (47,23.5%). Visiting nurses frequently measured vital signs, assessed symptoms through observation, checked medications and taught about medications and disease management. Little attention was given to other nursing interventions such as assessment of range of motion, performance of articular movement, education about the environment, or management of personal hygiene. Conclusion : The results of this study suggest that community based care centers can provide better nursing care for low-income elders.