Good Life with Dementia – Research findings

The Good Life course is a 6- 7-week course where people with dementia can talk about their experiences and support each other to live as well as they can. People with dementia co-design each course and act as peer-tutors with support from a professional facilitator.

In 2023, the University of York carried out research, including interviews and observations of two Good Life courses, to understand how it could help people living with dementia.

Researchers also held focus groups with people from South Asian communities to hear how the course might work in different settings.

Key findings:

• The Good Life course helped people living with dementia to feel valued, gain confidence, build connections and face challenges.
• This was possible because the course created a safe space characterised by shared experience, equality, positive expectations and a friendly, trusting atmosphere.
• A safe space could look different for different communities but would be welcomed by all.
• South Asian people who were asked about the approach welcomed the opportunity for support and advice but wanted parallel courses for the carers of people with dementia.

Download findings here:

• Key messages for everyone (PDF , 447kb)
• Key messages for professionals (PDF , 306kb)

To find out more about the Good Life with Dementia research, contact kate.gridley@york.ac.uk or visit the University of York Good Life with Dementia Research webpage