Rounding the Circle of Love is part reference book and part support book for those considering the role of caregiver. The intent of this book is not to sway a person in any one direction. Instead, Harriet Tramer uses her personal experience and her journalism skills to shed light on both the pros and cons of caring for an elderly family member in your own home. She seeks and offers us the opinions of various professionals. She includes questionnaires to help readers make the correct decision for ...more Rounding the Circle of Love is part reference book and part support book for those considering the role of caregiver. The intent of this book is not to sway a person in any one direction. Instead, Harriet Tramer uses her personal experience and her journalism skills to shed light on both the pros and cons of caring for an elderly family member in your own home. She seeks and offers us the opinions of various professionals. She includes questionnaires to help readers make the correct decision for themselves and their family. Readers will come away with a much better sense of how to make this life-altering decision, as well as the best reasons behind whatever that decision turns out to be. ~Darcia Helle

After Harriet Tramer's mother, who was in her 90s, fell and broke her leg, it was decided that after nursing home therapy, she was to come home. This is when Harriet Tramer found out what was really involved with home care of an elder. Sooner or later, most of us will be faced with the decision of placing our parents, spouse and sometimes even our children in a facility or care for them at home. In Rounding the Circle of Love, Tramer helps to make us aware of the problems we'll most likely face, how to handle them and hopefully prevent a few now and then. Through her discussion of medical situations you may be faced with, such as suctioning a tracheotomy or changing a diaper, helps prepare you for the possible and sometimes probable. She discusses money, real estate owned by the elder, taxes, possible Medicaid help, as well as how to apply for financial help. Tramer discusses how to choose a Home Health Care Agency if you decide one is needed. But one thing that she really stresses is… 'are you really ready, willing and capable of performing this full time job?' To help you as a caregiver, Harriet Tramer talks about your own health and welfare. What facilities are available to help you for support and how to find an Adult Day Care Center that will allow you to take a break now and then. ~Martha A Cheves, Author of Stir, Laugh, Repeat