The decision, she explained, was not about separation in the emotional sense, but about ensuring that Bruce receives the best possible care in an environment that accommodates the realities of his condition.
“One of the hardest decisions”
This diagnosis came less than a year after the family first disclosed that he had aphasia, a neurological disorder that affects language and communication.
Since stepping away from acting and withdrawing from public life, updates about Bruce’s condition have been understandably limited.
Emma explained that much of the family’s journey has unfolded privately, away from public scrutiny, as they learn to adapt to the progression of a disease that remains poorly understood by many.
In the ABC interview with Diane Sawyer, Emma shared that the decision to move Bruce into a nearby home was guided by a single, central priority: their daughters.
Bruce and Emma share two children, Mabel Ray, 13, and Evelyn Penn, 11. According to Emma, Bruce would have wanted their lives to remain as stable, joyful, and age-appropriate as possible.
“I knew, first and foremost, Bruce would want that for our daughters,” Emma said. “He would want them to be in a home that was more tailored to their needs, not his needs.”
Why a separate home became necessary As Bruce’s condition progressed, the family learned more about how environmental factors can affect individuals living with dementia.
The family ultimately decided, “some time ago,” to create a quieter, more controlled environment where Bruce could feel calm and safe.
The one-story layout of the home was chosen deliberately, reducing the risk of falls and allowing caregivers to better support his mobility.
While the move was rooted in care and compassion, it also came with emotional costs. Emma shared that, for a period of time, the change meant their daughters could no longer host playdates or sleepovers at the family home.
“I didn’t know if parents would feel comfortable leaving their kid at our home,” Emma explained. “I isolated our whole family, and that was by design. That was a hard time.”
She acknowledged how painful it was to balance her role as a caregiver with her role as a mother, especially when those responsibilities seemed to pull her in different directions.
A ‘second home’ filled with love
Despite living separately, Emma emphasized that Bruce’s new residence is not a place of isolation. On the contrary, she described it as a second home for the entire family, one that remains filled with warmth, love, and connection.
She added that the atmosphere in the house is intentionally positive and nurturing. Friends continue to visit Bruce, bringing laughter, companionship, and a sense of normalcy into his daily life.
“It is a house that is filled with love and warmth and care and laughter,” Emma shared. “It’s been beautiful to see that, to see how many of Bruce’s friends continue to show up for him. They bring in life and fun.”
This continued presence of loved ones, Emma suggested, has been an important source of comfort—not only for Bruce, but for the entire family.
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