Bruce Willis’ wife Emma Heming had a moving conversation with Gertrude Jordan, a dementia coach, who gave her advice on caring for a loved one with memory loss.
During a video chat on Tuesday, the 44-year-old model – who announced in February that her spouse has frontotemporal dementia – asked for advice on how to deal with the “heavy burden” of being a caregiver.
After reflecting on how difficult it was to ask others for help, the mother-of-two said she’s learning that “people actually want to help,” but she doesn’t always know what chores to give them.
Jordan suggested that members of her community could step in and occasionally “take the weight off” from chores like driving to a doctor’s appointment or letting someone else sit with their partner for 30 minutes while she focuses on self-care.
She continued to show understanding for Heming’s difficulties when relatives and friends were “nervous” to come over and call.
Speaking up: Bruce Willis’ wife, Emma Heming, had a moving conversation with Gertrude Jordan, a dementia coach, who gave her advice on caring for a loved one with memory loss
Struggling: While chatting via video chat on Tuesday, the 44-year-old model – who announced in February that her spouse has frontotemporal dementia – sought advice on how to deal with the “heavy burden” of being a caregiver
“There’s no point in seeing the person you know in another state…that can be a little difficult,” Heming said of her situation at home.
To keep a positive attitude, Heming says, she tries to start the day with gratitude and focus on the things she would like to do in the morning and make time for.
Before bed, the star works to “flip the script” and never dwell on “doom and gloom.”
When asked directly how she was doing, Emma replied, “Today?” Good. After talking to you, fine. You know I have my moments.’
“It just depends.” I keep at it and do my best. And turn my pain into meaning,” she continued.
In March, Heming denied claims that she had used her husband’s devastating dementia diagnosis for her own “five minutes” of fame.
Heming, who has been married to Willis, 68, since 2009, has made it her mission to raise awareness about aphasia after the condition emerged in March 2022 when her husband was struggling with the condition.
Willis, who had to give up his acting career, has since been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia.
New chapter: After reflecting on how difficult it was to ask others for help, the mother-of-two said she’s learning “people actually want to help,” but doesn’t always know what chores to give them
Heming, who has two young children with Willis, vowed she will use the momentum her position has given her to “raise awareness of her husband’s illness” and “carers who are unsung heroes out there.” , to glorify.
She continued, “And then I’ll turn my grief, anger, and sadness into something good, around something that feels less than.”
“Watch this room, because I didn’t come to play.”
Willis’ adult daughter Scout commented in a post below the video: “HELL YES! I’m so proud of you!’
Another user wrote: “Good for you!” I must confess that my previous perception of you – created solely by the paparazzi – was not exactly that of a woman of substance. I am so sorry for what you and your family are going through. You truly are a woman of substance and power. I will listen and learn.’
The Willis family announced in February that his condition had worsened, saying while the reality was “painful, it was a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis.”
Blended family: Willis shares Rumer, 34, Scout, 31, and Tallulah, 29, with Moore, 60, who he was married to from 1987 to 2000. He also has two daughters, Mabel (10) and Evelyn (8) with his wife Emma. , 44, of 14 years
“FTD is a cruel disease that many of us have never heard of and can affect anyone.” In people under the age of 60, FTD is the most common form of dementia, and as it can take years to diagnose, it is FTD probably a lot more common than we know,” they added.
The statement, signed by Heming, Bruce’s five daughters (including Mabel, 10, and Evelyn, 8), and his ex-wife Demi Moore, added that he would like to help if the action star “could” respond to his situation. Spread awareness and bring “global awareness and connection” to others struggling with the “debilitating illness.”
Willis shares Rumer, 34, Scout, 31, and Tallulah, 29, with Moore, 60, who he was married to from 1987 to 2000. He also has two daughters, Mabel (10) and Evelyn (8) with his wife Emma (44). from 14 years.
Aphasia, which the actor was first diagnosed with last year, can affect a person’s ability to speak, write and understand verbal and written language.
Willis’ diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia can include symptoms such as personality changes, speech difficulties, and motor impairments.
Heming said at the time she was struggling with “crippling” grief and was “learning to live with it.”