To which extent elderly people at nursing homes have an influence on their daily living is currently debated. Studies have shown that they have limited influence due to restricting routines associated with nursing homes. Therefore the aim of this study was to examine how elderly people experience the ability to influence their daily living at nursing homes and how limited influence is revealed in the daily care. Five elderly people, from four different nursing homes, underwent a structured interview. The outcome of the interviews was analyzed in relation to established theories related to geriatric care. The outcome of the interviews revealed the contradicting extremes that a day at a nursing home can offer. On one hand, there is an experience of influence from the elderly. On the other hand, they are constantly faced with situations that limit their possibility to affect their being. Both aspects can be related to concepts such as relational power and culture-related routines.