My First Year as a Caregiver - Eric Heimdale: Caring for Wife with Dementia

Tulsa resident Eric Heimdale became a full-time caregiver for his wife Patty, who showed early dementia signs around 2014–15. Eric recounts meeting Patty in 1991, blending their families, and a serendipitous earlier connection through a shared home address. After Patty failed a cognitive test and was prescribed memantine and Lexapro, Eric says the drugs led to violence, hallucinations, and a sudden loss of mobility. He researched alternatives, weaned her off the medications, and regained a calmer version of Patty. Over eight years he learned to be proactive, adapted their home and routines, retired and closed his lighting business, and found support by writing for the caregiver Facebook group Molly’s Movement. After Patty’s death, he reengaged with music, writing, and improv while sharing caregiving lessons about attitude, patience, and acceptance. He says that caregiving was the hardest job he ever had and the best job he ever had. 🌐Follow the series wherever you listen to podcasts and join our growing community at sophiamedia.co.▶️ www.youtube.com/@MyFirstYearSeries❤️ Subscribe for more conversations about life's biggest transitions.Email [email protected] and share your own transformative first year with us.