Movies

Bruce Willis’ wife decrees, after Gene Hackman’s death, ‘Caregivers need care too’

BBG News

Prior to Gene Hackman’s passing, his spouse, Betsy Arakawa, served as his main care provider. Similarly, Emma Heming, Bruce Willis’ wife, has assumed the role of primary caregiver for him since he retired from acting in March 2022.

The passing of Arakawa and Hackman, within a week or so during February, is what prompted Heming to emphasize this week the significance of looking after caregivers – a sentiment that resonates deeply with anyone who has taken care of an ill family member.

This week on social media, Heming expressed that the story of Mr. and Mrs. Hackman’s passing carries a lesson: caregivers require care themselves. They are essential, and it’s crucial that we support them so they can keep supporting those in their care.

In her video, Heming did not explicitly discuss her circumstances but rather focused on broader topics. However, an undercurrent of the situation was palpable. Notably, Bruce Willis ceased acting after being diagnosed with aphasia, followed by frontotemporal dementia.

World & Nation

In an unfortunate turn of events disclosed last Friday, I find myself with answers to numerous queries that had arisen following the passing of Gene Hackman and his beloved wife, Betsy Arakawa, in New Mexico.

Heming expressed in her Monday video that there’s a widespread belief that caregivers have everything under control, but she disagrees with this notion. She emphasized the importance of supporting caregivers so they can keep providing care for their loved ones.

30 years younger than Hackman, Arakawa was recognized posthumously by his daughter Leslie Anne Allen. In a recent interview with a British media source, she attributed his longevity to his wife Betsy, stating that “Betsy kept him alive.” She further praised Betsy for diligently caring for Hackman’s health throughout the years. Tragically, the two-time Academy Award winner succumbed to heart disease and advanced Alzheimer’s.

Arakawa passed away due to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, a seldom occurring yet usually fatal illness transmitted by rodents. It was reported that she had been spotted wearing a mask (indicating sickness) while running errands in her last public appearance. On the other hand, Heming has been battling a cold as shown in a video shared on Thursday. Frequent illnesses, according to Cleveland Clinic, could be an indicator of “caregiver burnout,” a genuine condition whose symptoms resemble stress and depression.

Entertainment & Arts

In a heartfelt, open video, Bruce Willis’ spouse Emma Heming Willis admits that she is struggling and encourages fellow caregivers to prioritize self-care as well.

Given that National Caregivers Day was celebrated just last week on the third Friday in February, Heming is now highlighting those who devote their time to caring for individuals affected by Alzheimer’s, advanced Multiple Sclerosis, cancer, stroke, Parkinson’s, and a variety of other health conditions that make self-care difficult.

I’ve come to realize that caring for someone is like a communal effort, but many are shouldering this responsibility alone. Let me tell you from personal experience, it’s unsustainable. So, let’s reach out to caregivers and offer our support. They are the backbone of our community, and without them, everything falls apart.

On February 21st, she titled a picture “Caregivers are already stretched too thin to make additional decisions – so relieve them of this burden. Tell them what you can offer instead. It will significantly improve the situation.” In her accompanying text, she suggested, “Instead of saying ‘Let me know if there’s anything I can do to assist’, start saying ‘Here are the ways I can provide help.’

In another video, Heming criticized doctors for failing to organize necessary resources ahead of time, making it difficult for them to assist both patients and their loved ones when a diagnosis is delivered.

Movies

Approximately two dozen individuals who worked with the actor shared their worries about his health during recent conversations with The Times.

She emphasized that doctors could greatly benefit from having a guide or support system, which is why she penned her upcoming book titled “The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope, and Yourself on the Caregiving Path,” due out in September. She then invited her followers to share the resources they received from their doctors and what additional information they wished they had been given.

As a cinephile, I find it utterly astonishing: “How is it that our medical professionals don’t yet have a go-to guide for caring for caregivers?” This is an issue I’m eagerly looking forward to exploring further.

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2025-03-14 04:01

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