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/
Follow Hon. Lisa Raitt:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisaraittmp/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisaraitt2019
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/lisa-raitt
To watch this episode, subscribe to The Hart Of It All's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHartofitAllPod
Follow The Hart Of It All:
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Website: https://www.thehartofitall.ca/
Follow Teri Hart:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terihart
Co-Executive Produced by: Carrie Hayden & Jess Carroll of 6of1 Digital
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/6of1digital
Website: https://www.6of1digital.com/
I’m here to share stories and conversations, not medical or professional advice. I’m not a doctor, therapist, or licensed professional, and this podcast is NOT a substitute for guidance from qualified experts. Please seek out professional support when you need it. Take care and I’ll see you in the next episode.
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🟡 About The Hart of it All
A podcast about navigating the realities of caregiving.
No one should have to do it alone. That’s the heart behind The Hart of It All, hosted by Canadian broadcaster Teri Hart. Inspired by her own experience caring for her dad and helping her mom navigate a new reality, Teri shines a light on the stories, resources, and conversations caregivers need most.
From doctors and nutritionists to fellow caregivers living it every day, each episode offers guidance and connection. Honest, supportive, and grounded in lived experience, The Hart of It All is here to remind us that caring for each other is something we’re all in together.
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