Susan Troyer, Author at A Beautiful Voice

Two essential traits in dementia care
Empathy and reasoning aren’t rivals – new research shows they work together to drive people to help more

Authors: Kyle Fiore Law, Brendan Bo O'Connor, and Stylianos Syropoulos For years, philosophers and psychologists have debated whether empathy helps or hinders the ways people decide how to help others. Critics of empathy argue that it makes people care too narrowly – focusing on individual stories rather than the broader [...]

Susan Troyer2025-12-08T23:50:36-06:00December 8th, 2025|Categories: Mindful Presence|Tags: ALTRUISM, Alzheimer's caregiving, Compassion, Dementia caregiving, Empathy, Ethical question, Philanthropy, Rationality, Reasoning, Religion and Society, Research|0 Comments

Writing rewires the brain
Writing builds resilience by changing your brain, helping you face everyday challenges

Writing is a way of thinking and doing. Author: Emily Ronay Johnston, PhD Ordinary and universal, the act of writing changes the brain. From dashing off a heated text message to composing an op-ed, writing allows you to, at once, name your pain and create distance from it. Writing can [...]

Susan Troyer2025-11-30T17:28:45-06:00November 24th, 2025|Categories: Mindful Presence|Tags: Benefits of labeling emotions, Creating a sense of agency, Eliciting a state of presence, Help regulating emotions in dementia care, How does writing change the brain?, Journaling in dementia caregiving, Psychologist James Pennebaker, Regaining focus by making a to-do list, Resilience in dementia caregiving, Strengthening self-awareness, Support reflective thinking|0 Comments

365 Ways to Say I Care
Way #2: An Impromptu Dance Break

When words fail, movement can speak volumes. For this "Way," we’re encouraging you to shake up the routine[...]

Susan Troyer2025-12-07T17:53:30-06:00November 17th, 2025|Categories: Mindful Presence|Tags: Boosting mood in dementia care, Dance for brain health, Movement when wheelchair-bound, When words fail in dementia and Alzheimer's care|0 Comments

Science validates simple rituals
Finding Beauty in Everyday Life: Uplifting Practices for Caregivers

#Views to date: 625

Life’s beauty often hides in the simplest things—a warm smile, a beautiful piece of music, a bouquet, or[...]

Susan Troyer2025-11-13T14:20:34-06:00November 9th, 2025|Categories: General, Mindful Presence|Tags: Alzheimer's and dementia caregivers, Essential respite and renewal for caregivers, Healing Power of Flowers, High-stress caregiving environments, Power of Inspirational Quotes for Emotional Resilience, Reduce stress|0 Comments

365 Ways to Say I Care
Let’s start with Way #1: Music playlist

#Views to date: 828

If you’re a caregiver, you know how easily days can be dominated by tasks and challenges. What if we could intentionally weave in moments of joy and connection?

Susan Troyer2025-12-07T22:46:49-06:00November 2nd, 2025|Categories: Music as Medicine|Tags: Create a shared music playlist, New experiences re-wire our brains and strengthen memory, Novel activities create positive environment|0 Comments