Emma Heming Willis Shares the Heartfelt Reasons Behind Bruce Willis's Move to a New Residence Amidst Dementia Battle
Emma Heming Willis, spouse of Bruce Willis, is sharing insights into the reasons behind the choice to transition the actor to a distinct residence following his diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia.
During an interview with People on Wednesday, September 3, Heming Willis, aged 49, stated that cohabiting with FTD necessitates "a tranquil and peaceful environment." Furthermore, she clarified that her desire for their two children, Mabel, 13, and Evelyn, 11, to experience a semblance of routine in their daily lives influenced the choice to move Willis, 70, to another dwelling.
“With two young daughters, it was crucial that they resided in an environment that met their requirements, and similarly, that Bruce had a space catering to his … Our children can now host playdates and sleepovers without needing to be overly cautious,” Heming Willis shared with the publication.
As stated by The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, “Elevated noise levels, intense illumination, or busy social gatherings can prove too much for an individual with FTD, potentially leading to irritable conduct.”
Emma Heming Willis Reveals Bruce Wishes Her to 'Live Life Fully' Despite His Dementia
Heming Willis noted that the relocation has created a more peaceful setting for the family as they adapt to Willis’ ongoing health challenges.
“A sense of greater calm and comfort now pervades everything,” she affirmed.
Although Heming Willis confessed it was "distressing" for her family to reside in different places, she believes the choice has “expanded Bruce's existence.” She advised others to pursue “what best suits their unique family arrangement.”
Heming Willis further mentioned that Mabel and Evelyn have kept numerous items at Willis’ residence, enabling them to keep making new memories with their father.
“I am able to return to my role as Bruce’s wife, and the children can simply be children, and there is profound beauty in that for which I am immensely thankful,” Heming Willis expressed. “This arrangement allows me to simply be present with him during these times, and it has proven beneficial for us.”
Heming Willis disclosed during ABC’s Emma and Bruce Willis: The Unexpected Journey – A Diane Sawyer Special on August 26 that the family visits frequently and shares meals. Willis is attended to by a full-time, in-home care staff arranged by Heming Willis, and also enjoys consistent visits from friends.
Frontotemporal dementia currently lacks a cure and “will progressively worsen with time, with the rate of deterioration varying among individuals,” according to the Alzheimer's Association. The condition has the potential to “lead to diverse impairments in conduct, temperament, and/or challenges with speech generation or understanding.”
Emma Heming Willis Admitted She Was 'Apprehensive to Speak' Regarding Bruce's Dementia
Heming Willis disclosed that the illness has affected Willis’ ability to communicate, yet they are devising methods to interact non-verbally.
“Occasionally, affection transcends verbal expression,” she commented. “I can simply be beside Bruce and gaze at him, and we exchange glances, sharing laughter and smiles, which for me, surpasses all else.”
On August 29, Heming Willis had previously advocated for the choice to transition Willis to a different residence in an Instagram video.
“In reality, the viewpoints are overwhelmingly vocal, but if individuals haven’t lived through this experience, their input is irrelevant, and they certainly don’t have a valid opinion,” she remarked towards the conclusion of the video.
