The general aim of this research paper is to investigate how greatgrandmothers, whether they are institutionalized or not, perceive their role and relate to their great- grandchildren. 21 great-grandmothers took part in the survey, of whom 10, with an average age of 75, were not institutionalized and 11, whose average age was 82, were. They were interviewed in their residences. The following aspects were specific objectives of the study: meaning and feelings experienced in this role; perceived differences between the roles of mother and grand-mother, as well as that between grandmother and great-grandmother; help rendered to the family; dificulties felt in the relationship with great-grandchildren; evaluation of relationships; activities undertaken; frequency of contact with these; perception of the changes over time and significance of the family. It can be claimed that the role was perceived in a rather positive way by the two groups, but the group of institutionalized greatgrandmothers showed they had more difficulty in contact with their greatgrandchildren. This result can be attributed to the difficulties in relationships with family members, geographical distance and the unfavourable economic situation in which some great-grandmothers find themselves.