Alzheimer’s, Violence, and the Guilt Caregivers Carry — with the Hon. Lisa Raitt

Most people avoid thinking about Alzheimer’s until it touches their own lives. Hon. Lisa Raitt once felt that fear herself. But when her husband, Bruce Wood, was diagnosed with young-onset Alzheimer’s at 56, she was forced to confront the disease, gaps in Canada’s dementia care system, and realities families often navigate alone.

In this candid conversation with Teri Hart, Lisa shares the path from Bruce’s diagnosis to becoming an advocate for people living with dementia and their caregivers. She opens up about seeking a second opinion, managing escalating symptoms, and facing a reality rarely discussed openly: the violence some caregivers experience when dementia alters the behaviour of someone they love.

Lisa recounts the moment she realized that she and her teenage sons were no longer safe, the struggle to find Bruce appropriate medical support, and the painful acceptance that he could no longer live at home. She also explains why she publicly shared videos from some of the most frightening moments of their lives. What began as a need to be seen became a way to challenge stigma and reach isolated caregivers.

Lisa and Teri also explore why caregivers need support separate from the medical care provided to their loved ones, and how grief, guilt, anger, exhaustion, fear, and love can exist at once. Lisa reflects on what she wishes she had done sooner to protect her mental health and why friends should keep showing up, even when a caregiver pulls away.

Now a member of the Ontario Dementia Task Force, Lisa is pushing for a more coordinated approach to dementia care and a clearer path from diagnosis through treatment, community support, crisis care, and long-term care.

This episode of The Hart of It All is essential listening for anyone caring for a person with Alzheimer’s or dementia, supporting a caregiver, or working to improve the systems families depend on. It is an honest look at what caregiving demands and why families should not have to face it alone.

Resources:

Learn more about The Ontario Dementia Task Force:

https://alzheimer.ca/on/sites/on/files/documents/new-task-force-to-develop-roadmap-for-dementia.pdf

Learn more about the Vulnerable Persons Registry (also available in areas outside of Toronto):

https://www.tps.ca/services/vulnerable-persons-registry/

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