Emma Heming Willis underwent therapy to prepare for the difficult decision of moving her husband, Bruce Willis, who has frontotemporal dementia (FTD), to a second home for round-the-clock care. She revealed this during an appearance at the Endwell 2025 summit, explaining that the public judgment she has faced regarding this arrangement, particularly from those not directly involved in his daily care, necessitated therapeutic preparation.
The decision to place Bruce in a dedicated care facility was made to provide him with a calmer environment suited to his needs, and Emma emphasized that it has ultimately benefited their entire family, allowing their daughters to resume normal activities like playdates and sleepovers while still seeing their father frequently. She strongly defended this choice, stating it was the safest and best decision for their family, despite external criticism questioning why Bruce isn't living with them full-time.
Emma initially tried to manage Bruce’s care alone, fearing public scrutiny if she sought outside help. However, Bruce's neurologist highlighted statistics about caregivers dying before their loved ones, prompting Emma to seek support.
This intervention, including therapy and embracing the permission to accept help, was crucial for her well-being and allowed her to avoid burnout while caring for Bruce and their two young daughters. She has also openly discussed her own diagnosis with depression following Bruce's condition and her efforts to prioritize self-care.
