Out of her own loneliness years ago, Gayle Twigger-Shaw created an event she hopes will provide a much-needed network within the community.
Twigger-Shaw, the chairwoman of Temple Israel's Social Action Committee, helped coordinate the inaugural Caregivers Care Fair at Charleston's Temple Israel last year after spending six years as the caregiver for her husband, Ken Shaw, who had Parkinson's disease and, later, dementia.
"During those years, I was completely unaware of any resources that could support me in that role of caregiver," she said. "I felt so alone in that role; I did not know who to turn to."
When she set to work assembling the pieces for the Caregivers Care Fair, Ken was in an assisted living facility. The day of the event, he died.
Though she wasn't able to see the fruits of her labor come together, those at the fair said about 300 were in attendance. At least that many are expected to attend this year's event this weekend, said Twigger-Shaw, noting that the topic of caregiving has become increasingly important. A statistic published in the Journal of the American Medical Association says 63 percent of caregivers who are the sole providers of care for their loved one predecease the person they are caring for, a "staggering statistic," she said.
Since last year, Twigger-Shaw has fielded two calls from people in other states asking for advice on creating their own, similar events.
"There's a buzz about it now," she said. "It's become a model."
She's quick to point out that caregiving isn't just about aging - at some point, most everyone is going to need a caregiver or become a caregiver.
"We need to share the burden as best we can, if in no other way than to provide names and places to go, people to see, who can help us with that burden," she said.
This year, the Caregivers Care Fair will address the topic of caring for children with special needs. There also will be a discussion of ways the elderly and vulnerable populations are targeted for exploitation.
The event will begin with guest speakers Jane Marks, a certified dementia and caregiver coach; Jennifer Taylor, attorney and expert in elder scams; and Laurie Thompsen, who will address caregiving for special needs children. After their brief presentations, attendees can meander through the fair to speak with more than 20 vendors scheduled to participate, including AARP, Highland Hospital and the University of Charleston.
There will be a licensed massage therapist; Millie Snyder, of the Shape Shop, to discuss nutrition; and medical professionals who can offer advice on medications.
Personal home assistant Shellie Winowich will be at the fair to discuss her new business, Winowich Wizard. Twigger-Shaw says Winowich can be hired to help people pare down the items in their homes, streamlining so they can keep what's important, and aiding in the sale of the rest.
The second Caregivers Care Fair is set for 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Temple Israel, 2312 Kanawha Blvd. East.