Saturday, May 7, 2011

Do you have “Other Mothers” to Honor this Mother’s Day? Well you are not alone….

       
A lot has changed since 1908, when Mother’s Day was started. Over, this 103 year period our definition of family and especially Mother has consistently changed and continues to evolve. Many families today are headed by single women. Others are second and even third marriages for one or both parties including children from previous relationships. Some are Childless by Choice women who end up marrying men with children and become outstanding “Other Mothers”.  A major change, some families are made up of same sex parents and their children. 
One thing for sure, in addition to our mother, grandmothers, and sisters, there are many other females who believed in us, gave us words of wisdom and encouragement when familial relationships were unwilling and/or incapable.  These women are our girlfriends, BFF’s, cousins, neighbors, mentors and in some cases, our best-friend’s mother whom we love all so dearly and want to honor them on their special day.  We have even created special names for these wonderful women:
Grandmother, Grandma, Nana, Gma, Gigi: If you are blessed to still have her, be sure to honor the matriarch of your family. She has shared many inspiring stories of the past.  She is a walking history book.  

Stepmom, Like a Mom, Bonus Mom, Mom2: She married your father and you become her bonus child in a blended family if she as children of her own.  Or she was Childless by Choice, but openly accepted you and your siblings, adding a dimension of Motherly advice and understanding by nature of her gender.
Aunts, Cousins, Sisters-Friends Mentors, BFF, and Best friend’s Mother:  At one time or another they were there giving you advice, standing by your side, when you felt all alone.   For those whose mother has passed on, they stepped up to show their love and support for you during your most trying times.


Every May, you spend hours thinking about the perfect gift for each of your Mom and “Other Mothers” and the many other Wonderful Women in your life.   This year we are here to help you save time and energy,  give the gift of love, encouragement, inspiration and empowerment,  the anthology book, Empowering Transformations for Women,  40 ordinary women with 40 Powerful stories, a must read for women of all generations and purpose in your life. 
You can order your copies today, at www.omgwomenunited.com for only $19.95 plus shipping. A complimentary bookmark for the co-author will be included for each book. In addition,   we will be honored to sign with book for your Mother, “Other Mothers” simply indicate her name or your special name for her!

Rest assured, she will enjoy reading this multigenerational anthology book by 40 ordinary women, with 40 Powerful stories of Love, Triumph, Purpose and Joy.  Happy Mother’s Day to all Mothers and Other Mothers!

About the Author: Alisa L. Oglesby, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, consultant and author. Alisa is the president of OMG WomenUnited® and ALO WomenUnited®, organizations dedicated to motivate, empower and inspire women experiencing “seemingly” loss to reach within and let their “Best Journey Begin”. Alisa shares her story in the newly released anthology book Empowering Transformations for Women – 40 True Stories of Purpose, Faith and Action.
This powerful “Handbook of Hindsight” guides women through their ever-unfolding personal and professional life.  Alisa is an expert in the area of “Boomer” issues personally and entrepreneurially - she a co-founder/owner of a homecare agency in the southern New Jersey.  Alisa also applies her 25 years in sales, marketing, customer service and business development with Fortune 100 companies in the automotive, insurance and pharmaceutical industries to deliver powerful messages to multicultural and multigenerational women throughout the country.
Contact:  Alisa L. Oglesby:  info@omgwomenunited.com     www.omgwomenunited.com.
       

6 Ways Childless by Choice “Mother Figures” Can Celebrate Mother’s Day

         

In her circle of friends, Kathy can easily identify over seven Childless by Choice “Mother Figures”.  These women can be placed in five categories, which we will review later in this article. Like Kathy, they are successful, loving and play a significant “Mother Figure” role to many children in their lives.  They are sometimes invited to share Mother’s Day with their sister friends who are biological/adoptive parents.   However, in their selfless manner, these women prefer not to impose and simply choose to stay at home all alone.   Here is a profile of Kathy and her friends:  Which of Kathy’s friends resonate with you?

 Childless by Choice & Happily Single:
You made a conscious decision to live happily single and not to become a mother.  You are a wonderful, loving successful woman - great career, business owner, etc.  Although you have been in many relationships, none were worthy of you to become Mrs. ___________.

Childless by Choice Never Married:
You always dreamt of having a husband, home and children.  Each relationship you kept hoping he would be the “One”.  Life has continued, you are now over 40 and Mr. Right has not arrived.

Childless by Choice – Divorced Step Mom:  
By the time you got married, your self-imposed biological clock had stopped. You married a man with children and decided to be the best Mother Figure possible. Currently divorced from their father- he was no longer worthy of you. You raised his children with unconditional love, the chapter was been written and his children are no longer a part of your life.



Childless by Choice – Miles Apart from Your Mom:
You moved away from your hometown many years ago.  You return home at least once per year, however usually not on Mother’s Day. Your Mom knows that each year you call, send flowers, gifts and more. 




Childless by Choice – Mother has Passed On:
Childless by Choice, you are perfectly happy and content.  Throughout the years and especially on Mother’s Day, you did special things with and for your mom.  Now she’s gone, you are childless and feel all alone.  Regardless if this is the first or many years that your mom has passed, Mother’s Day simply has taken on another meaning. 

                                                                                                     
Of course, there are millions for Childless by Choice, Mother Figures like Kathy and you.  After all, you take pride in your caring, nurturing and meticulous role as: Mother Figure, Like a Mom, Favorite Aunt, Godmother, Mentor, and more. So what should you do this Mother’s Day 2011?  ---Celebrate You! Call several of your Childless by Choice girlfriends and host one of these great events:
·         Childless by Choice “Mother Figure” Brunch – at a local restaurant or at your home.
·         Childless by Choice “Mother Figure” Getaway – a day trip or overnight trip to see a play
·         Childless by Choice “Mother Figure”  Pajama Party – a your home or local hotel
·         Childless by Choice “Mother Figure” City Tour – visit tourist attractions in your city
·         Childless by Choice  “Mother Figure” Day Escape – at a Spa, Park, or Art Exhibit








About the Author - Childless by Choice -  Mother has Passed On: Alisa L. Oglesby, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, consultant and author. Alisa is the president of OMG WomenUnited® and ALO WomenUnited®, organizations dedicated to motivate, empower and inspire women experiencing “seemingly” loss to reach within and let their “Best Journey Begin”. Alisa shares her story in the newly released anthology book “Empowering Transformations for Women” – 40 True Stories of Purpose, Faith and Action.

This powerful “Handbook of Hindsight” guides women through their ever-unfolding personal and professional life.  Alisa is an expert in the area of “Boomer” issues personally as well as  entrepreneurially - she a co-founder/owner of a homecare agency in the southern New Jersey.  Alisa also applies her 25 years in sales, marketing, customer service and business development with Fortune 100 companies in the automotive, insurance and pharmaceutical industries to deliver powerful messages to multicultural and multigenerational women throughout the country.
Contact:  Alisa L. Oglesby:  info@omgwomenunited.com     www.omgwomenunited.com.

30 Ways to Celebrate Mother's Day 2011


The consensus from our recent poll confirms: Mothers Deserve More Than a Day --- Mothers should be honored throughout the month of May! This would reduce the pressure on children of all ages, who along with Mom - would like to recognize grand-mom and in some cases great-grandmother (if you are lucky to still have them around). In addition, due to the ever changing family dynamics step-mom, like-a-mom, special aunt or sister may also hold a special place in your heart on Mother’s Day. How much can you do in just one day?
Well, we are here to help you during the month of May – select 1, 3, 5, 7 or more ways to honor Mom and/or the Mother figures in your life. After all, Mothers Deserve More Than a Day!

1. Create a Song in Her Honor
2. Send Mom a Handwritten note each Monday for 4 weeks
3. Let her Sleep-in until noon – serve her a special "Mombrunch"
4. Spend at least 2 Uninterrupted Hours with Mom
5. Update Mom’s Room
6. Create a Memory Basket
7. Send Mom a Gift-card to her Favorite Restaurant
8. Share your favorite Childhood/Adulthood memory with Mom
9. Host a Breakfast in Honor of Mom
10. Update Mom’s Wardrobe
11. Send Mom a Talking Card - How much I Love You, Why I love You, Etc.
12. Host a Tasting Party in honor of Mom – invite a few of her friends
13. Make a Quilt Memento
14. Spend the day at a local park, garden or museum with Mom
15. Make a CD of Mom’s Favorite Songs
16. Schedule a Spa Day with Mom
17. Create a Special YouTube Video In Honor of Mom
18. Spend the Entire Day with Mom
19. Bake Cookies with Mom
20. Host a Post Mother’s Day Party for Mom and her friends
21. Plant a Flower Garden with Mom
22. Write a Love Letter to Mom
23. Watch family Movies with Mom
24. Create a YouTube Video – "Mother of My Lifetime Award 2011"
25. Create a Photo Collage – sentimental photos through the years
26. Give Mom a Gift Card to her Favorite Super Market
27. Write a Forgiveness Letter – if there are some unresolved issues
28. Send Mom Flowers on the last Day in May
29. Host a Mother Daughter PJ Party
30. Attend a Service with Mom at her place of Worship

About the Author:
This powerful "Handbook of Hindsight" guides women through their ever-unfolding personal and professional life. Alisa is an expert in the area of "Boomer" issues personally and entrepreneurially - she a co-founder/owner of a homecare agency in the southern New Jersey. Alisa also applies her 25 years in sales, marketing, customer service and business development with Fortune 100 companies in the automotive, insurance and pharmaceutical industries to deliver powerful messages to multicultural and multigenerational women throughout the country.
Contact: Alisa L. Oglesby: info@omgwomenunited.com www.omgwomenunited.com.
Alisa L. Oglesby, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, consultant and author. Alisa is the president of OMG WomenUnited® and ALO WomenUnited®, organizations dedicated to motivate, empower and inspire women experiencing "seemingly" loss to reach within and let their "Best Journey Begin". Alisa shares her story in the newly released anthology book Empowering Transformations for Women – 40 True Stories of Purpose, Faith and Action.

Monday, April 11, 2011

OMG: You’ve got the POWER to…

OMG: You’ve got the POWER to…
Call forth your good


Prosperity shows up in your life, world and affairs, the moment you give
          yourself permission to be;

Open and receptive to the abundance that is constantly flowing in the
          universe; with this awareness,

Wonderful demonstrations of the desires of your heart will manifest, the
          moment you, “Let Go and Let God”.

Even during appearances of lack, confusion, limitation, pain or 
          despair,

Remember, God is the Source of your supply, wisdom, guidance and strength.
          Therefore, nothing outside of you has control or dominion over your
          universe. 


OMG: You’ve got the POWER to…
Call forth your Good now!



ALOglesby©

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Selecting Care for an Aging or Chronically Ill or Disabled Loved One

As the population of Boomers continues to grow in American, more often than not we will be faced with the challenges of balancing, work, family, and health care needs of our injured, disabled, chronically ill or aging loved one. These important healthcare decisions will have significant impact on the quality of life for all involved.
Studies have shown people prefer to remain in the comforts of their home for as long as possible. Whether you or your loved one is seeking care, or planning for the future care for a chronically ill, disabled, or aging loved one, this information will help you make an educated home care decision and address the basic steps in accessing home health care agencies.


Home Care:

A broad range of health care and supportive services provided in a home setting. Home care can include professional nursing, paraprofessional home care aides services, and companion care.


How To Obtain Services:
If under a doctor’s care, ask to be referred to home care. If not under a doctor’s care contact your county Office on Aging and ask for referrals.
Community professionals, support groups, public health agencies, you should be given at least three home care agencies to contact. Or, simply refer to the yellow pages, search the web, ask members  of clergy, friends and family members.

Types of Services:
Health Care – Assistance with toileting, showering bed bathing, incontinence care, skilled transfers. Pre and post operation care, reinforce wound dressings, skilled nursing care. Disease state management, etc.
Supportive Services – companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping, errands/shopping, medication reminders, stand and assist for showing and dressing, etc.

Questions to Ask Before Selecting an Agency
• How long has the agency been in existence?
• How are your home health aides recruited?
• Are the aides licensed and/or bonded?
• Is care available on a live-in basis? Part time? Full time?
• What are the aides’ usual job duties?
• Are needs assessed periodically by a nurse?
• If the assigned aide calls in sick or does not show up will a substitute be available?
• If there is dissatisfaction with the assigned aides will he or she be replaced?
• Are aides paid directly by the patient, the family or through the
agency?




Benefits of Home Care:
• Meet the needs of people and
families.
• The security and comfort of care
and support in your own home.
• Support for families while keeping them together, helping each other.
• Personalized care tailored to the needs of each client and homesituation.
• The dignity and independence which are possible in your own home.
• Professionally-supervised services monitored and regulated to assure quality and adherence to state and national standards.
• Flexibility of scheduling care 24hours a day, every day of the year.
• Lower cost of care than in other settings (institutional & hospital)
• Cost-effective alternative to institutional long term care and acute care

Protecting You and Your Loved Ones:
The agency should have proper licensure with the state of New Jersey, bonded and insured. Background checks should be conducted on all field staff. Caregivers should have the appropriate certifications based upon the level of care administered.  A service agreement should be outlined and agreed upon.
Payment for home care services is covered by individual patients and families, Waiver Programs, Medicare and/or Medicaid may pay for a limited amount of time. Long-term care insurance policies may also cover quality home care.