Next of Kin/Inheritance query

This is complex - can anyone help? My grandmother is currently living in residential care (mentally sound but physically infirm). She had two children, my mother and my aunt - both have now predeceased her. Following our Mother's death there was a family dispute and we did not speak to our Aunt who was then soley responsible for grandma's care. Our aunt has now died and we are told by the Care Home that now one of our aunt's daughters is responsible for the administration of our Grandma's day to day care (they say they have a letter to say so - but we have not had sight of such letter). We understand that my aunt had power of attorney for my grandma but dont know if this extended to my aunt's daughters, or if in fact following her death power of attorney would be passed on in such a way? We also understand that my Grandmother's will left the majority of her estate to her daughter (our aunt). Now that our aunt has predeceased her Mother, if the will gave no further instruction what happens to her estate when she dies? If it matters Grandma has no living 'blood relatives' other than her grandchildren. Also if she has not appointed a 'next of kin' would this assumed to be her eldest living grandchild - although I understand next of kin has no legal rights? matildadolly (Thu 20:08 11/Oct/07)