The aim of this study was to illuminate the meaning of professional carers’ experiences in caring situations when a conflict of interest arises with the older person receiving care. The findings reveal the complexity of the carers’ ambivalence when facing a conflict of interest, weighing between the older persons’ right to self-determination and external demands. The carers are alone in their ambivalence and the conclusion is that they need help and support to be more present in the encounter. The implication for this study is a person-centred practice, and to focus on people as interdependent on support carers to maintain older people’s right to self-determination in the relationship.