[Residential care after the geriatric care reform. District nurses experience extensive responsibility and limited rights].

We studied the care of patients in homes for the elderly and in special homes for the demented in the city of Malmö. Nine district nurses were interviewed using a tape recorder, and the content of the interviews was analyzed. Many patients needed extensive care, and resources were insufficient regarding both number of staff and their competence. The management of nursing in the various districts of the city was not well-defined. More consulting time was requested on the part of both district nurses and general practitioners in homes for the elderly and homes for the demented.