Residents at Ashworth Grange Share Heart-Warming Mother’s Day Memories

It’s a question that’s probably been whispered over cups of tea for donkey's years: what’s better, being a mum or being a nana? Is there more joy in raising your own kids, or in spoiling the next generation rotten? The residents at a care home in Dewsbury have been chatting about this very thing, sharing some truly heart-warming memories and a little bit of wisdom that crosses all generations. As of 13 March 2026, the debate is officially on at Ashworth Grange Care Home, and the stories that have come out are a wonderful reminder of what family is all about.

The great debate: mum versus nana

Staff at Ashworth Grange, which is a HC-One care home, spent a morning with residents, simply listening to their experiences of motherhood, grandmotherhood, and even great-grandmotherhood. And while there wasn't one simple answer, a cheeky theme quickly appeared. It seems that most of the ladies agreed that grandchildren often get a bit of a VIP pass when it comes to the rules. Think about it – could you get away with an extra biscuit from your gran when your mum would have said no? The residents certainly thought so.

This led to a bit of a laugh, with the team joking that there must be a secret grandmother code that lets grandchildren get away with absolute murder. Some residents stayed on the fence, saying they have an equal amount of love for their children and grandchildren, which is fair enough. But others had a clear preference. Resident Laura Coates said she still loved being a mum the most. On the other side of the coin, Christine Stead mentioned that becoming a grandmother was brilliant because it meant she could enjoy all the fun bits of family life without the heavy weight of responsibility. It’s all the fun of the fair without having to run the stalls, really. This kind of wisdom helps younger generations understand the journey of life and the different joys found in each chapter. The support and care shown between family members are mirrored in the adult social care provided at the home.

A heart full of love

One of the most touching things to come from these conversations was the idea that a family’s capacity for love just keeps on growing. It’s not like a pizza where the slices get smaller the more people you share it with; it’s more like the love just multiplies. Resident Elsie Pollitt put it perfectly, saying, “Your love grows with each new grandchild and great-grandchild.” Elsie gets regular visits from her daughter and great-grandchildren, and she treasures the time they spend together, sharing stories and making new memories. This heart-warming connection is what keeps the spirit of a family alive through the generations.

Another resident, Pat Ambler, echoed this thought, simply saying, “My heart grows bigger every time.” And Eileen Warner added that having great-grandchildren had opened her heart to more love than she ever imagined possible. These personal memories show that family is a powerful source of joy and emotional health. Finding a home that offers support for residents to continue these precious family connections is so important. This dedication to fostering love and connection is a core part of the care provided, ensuring residents lead their best life.

Wisdom from across the generations

When you get the chance to listen to someone who has seen a lot of life, it's always worth paying attention. And at Ashworth Grange, residents have a wealth of wisdom to share. Take 105-year-old resident Joyce Thick, for example. With a family that spans many generations, including children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, she has a unique perspective. She said that she particularly loves the fun she has with her grandchildren. It’s that special bond, free from the day-to-day pressures of parenting, that creates such beautiful, lasting memories. The HC-One philosophy of kindness ensures residents like Joyce are in a supportive home where they can reflect on their best life and share their stories.

This sharing of memories is a beautiful thing. It’s how family stories are passed down, how younger generations learn about where they came from, and how the bonds of love are strengthened. The conversations at this England care home (HC-One also operates in Wales and Scotland) are a testament to the power of family. To celebrate all the mums, nanas, and great-nanas, the care home is hosting a special afternoon tea this week, bringing residents and their loved ones together for a bit of a party. It’s a chance to honour the incredible role these women play in their families.

More than just a care home

What makes these moments possible is an environment built on kindness and a genuine sense of community. This isn’t just about providing health services; it’s about creating a true home. Care assistant Samantha Ginnely, who was part of the chats, said, “I love hearing about their families. Once they start talking about them, I can’t pull myself away from the stories.” This shows the dedication of the staff who provide daily support and care.

Deputy home manager Jade Herron added that the whole team works to make Ashworth Grange feel like one big family. “We strive to make families feel as welcome as possible and love seeing a variety of generations visiting the home,” she said. These events give the team a chance to get to know the residents on a deeper level, understanding the joy they get from being mums and grandmas. HC-One is a major provider of adult social care, and its mission is to help people lead their best life, guided by a heartfelt desire to support those in their care. The focus is always on person-centred care, creating a place where everyone, from residents to family to the care assistant team, feels valued. The celebrations and daily interactions are all part of a wider commitment to excellent adult social care.