Developing the ‘Good Life’ Model: The Recruitment and Training of ‘Dementia Ambassadors’ to Provide a Novel Coaching Approach for Family Caregivers

The Good Life Model is an evidence‐informed service extension program that seeks to improve the quality of daily life for people living with dementia (PLWD) and their caregivers through an integrated, replicable health professional learning service approach. To provide this service, caregivers referred from a neurology clinic are matched to Dementia Ambassadors (DAs), nursing and health profession faculty and graduate students who are trained in family‐centric and nonpharmacological approaches. DAs serve as coaches to telephonically provide disease education, referrals and linkages, support and skills in managing caregiver‐identified care challenges. Good Life offers a service‐learning approach for developing a workforce that is prepared to care for families living with dementia, while improving the quality of daily life for both people living with dementia and their caregivers.