Takeaways:
- Emma Heming Willis shares how she gently explained Bruce Willis’ move to their daughters.
- The decision came as Bruce’s dementia care needs increased.
- Emma emphasizes creating a safe, happy environment for Bruce while giving their children stability.
When it comes to caregiving, few decisions are more emotional than choosing where a loved one will receive care. Emma Heming Willis recently opened up about the difficult choice to move her husband, actor Bruce Willis, into a second home as he battles frontotemporal dementia (FTD) — and how she shared the news with their daughters, Mabel, 13, and Evelyn, 11.
A Heartbreaking But Necessary Decision
In her new book, The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope, and Yourself on the Caregiving Path, Emma writes about the moment she explained the change to her children:
“We’ve come to a point in Daddy’s disease where the care he requires is changing. It has to be more tailored to his every need,” she told them. “And you should be in a home that is more tailored to your needs now.”
Emma reassured the girls that Bruce would still be close by and that they would have opportunities for playdates, sleepovers, and quality time with their dad.
Creating a “Second Home”
Emma described Bruce’s new home as a comforting space for the entire family — not just a medical setting. She said the house would be filled with personal touches, from toys and games to arts and crafts supplies, so that their daughters could visit, stay overnight, and continue to make happy memories with their dad.
Prioritizing Family Well-Being
While the decision was painful, Emma believes it was necessary for everyone’s well-being.
“Even though they’d lived with his disease for so long that they understood … it was an uncertain and painful time for us,” Emma shared. “After all, this is my husband, and having him in another home was not part of the future we’d mapped out together.”
The move allows Bruce to have round-the-clock professional care, ensuring his safety, while giving Emma and their children a sense of stability.
Support From the Community
Emma’s honesty about caregiving challenges has inspired fans and caregivers worldwide. Her special with Diane Sawyer, Emma and Bruce Willis: The Unexpected Journey, highlighted the emotional realities of caring for a loved one with FTD while maintaining a supportive environment for the entire family.
