Making Masquerade Masks with Residents!

Saturday, March 1st 2025

By: Charlotte Hendrey

Today at Cogir of San Rafael Memory Care, we used feathers, gems, beads, (and lots of glue!), to decorate masquerade ball themed masks. The guests were delighted to see me again, and most of them recognized me. One guest, Kay, who I had a nice conversation with last time I visited, did not remember me at first, which I completely understood since it is very common for the residents to forget things. So I started by reintroducing myself, as I always do, saying "Hi everyone! My name is Charlotte!", to remind them.

The residents and I had so much fun together with the colorful feathers, and laughed when we all put out masks on. Some guests needed extra help, so I came around the table to make sure everyone could put their mask on!. Helen, (right image) couldn't fit her mask on her face. I always make sure all the residents feel included, so I was determined to make it fit! I found scissors, which I used to cut a nose hold in her mask so that it could fit, and she was so happy that she told me she "never wants to take it off"!

While we decorated our masks, we decided to put on an old movie from the 1960's, which the guests really enjoyed. For guests with dementia or Alzheimer's, it can be difficult to grasp memories. But, the easiest memories for them to access are the ones from when they were younger, so playing old music or old movies from their childhoods always lifts their mood. Every single guest in the room had a smile on their face, despite any disabilities. One guest, George, is introverted and tends to keep quiet, but smiles are contagious, so when I came up to talk to him with a big smile on my face, he mirrored my behavior and was laughing in no time.

Overall, we had a great time today, and the guests asked me when I could come again. I told them that next time I come, I will bring cookies for them to decorate, and they were so excited! Kay got up and gave me a big hug before I left. Maria, the events coordinator, hugged me goodbye and thanked me for all I do.