Emma Heming Willis is opening up about the difficult decision to move her husband, Bruce Willis, into a specialized care home — and why it ultimately brought stability to their family.
Last September, Emma made the call as Bruce continues to live with frontotemporal dementia. While appearing on the Conversations With Cam podcast, the actress and author shared how frequently she visits the retired actor and how the arrangement has helped everyone adjust.
“All the time,” she said, noting that Bruce’s home is located very close to her own.
Emma explained that she and Bruce, who share daughters Mabel Ray, 15, and Evelyn Penn, 11, still spend time together several times a week, including regular family meals and breakfast visits. The residence is fully staffed to meet Bruce’s needs, a change Emma said has allowed him to feel supported and comfortable.
“It is our second home,” she shared, adding that the setup ensures Bruce receives care around the clock while allowing their children to thrive in their own space.
She also revealed that Bruce has been “thriving” since the move — even though making the decision was one of the hardest moments of his health journey.
“It did not come easy,” Emma said, explaining that caregivers are often forced to make painful choices to protect both their loved one and their family. She added that keeping Bruce at home had begun to limit their daughters’ social lives and sense of normalcy.
“The decision didn’t come lightly, but it was the right one for our family,” she said. “Our children are thriving, and so is Bruce.”
In a previous interview with The Sunday Times, Emma shared that the move also allowed her to step back into her role as Bruce’s wife, calling that shift “such a gift.”
The arrangement has additionally given Bruce more freedom to spend time with friends and family without the pressure of hosting at home, something Emma said helped ease her own anxiety.
During the podcast, Emma also discussed Bruce’s lack of awareness around his diagnosis, explaining that he experiences anosognosia — a neurological condition in which the brain cannot recognize its own illness. While challenging, she described the reality as a mixed blessing.
Despite the difficulties of dementia, Emma continues to focus on joy and maintaining traditions. Speaking at the End Well 2025 conference in November, per People, she shared that the holidays remain meaningful for their family, even if they look different now.
“Life goes on,” she said, adding that while dementia is hard, “there is still joy in it.”
