Canary Wharf, Good for Business But Dementia Friendly?

Nowadays there is much more awareness for people with dementia or other disabilities. People are starting to recognise how important it is to look after loved ones in our society who have to go through such problems in their daily life. It seems like Canary Wharf has this in mind for those who need it.

Possible problems are taken into consideration for society generally before building new public spaces. Nowhere is this more apparent than at Canary Wharf. There are lifts everywhere. Not only have elevators been built, but also solutions implemented such as benches with lights, which change colours every few seconds. The sound of the traffic lights alert people with potential hearing disabilities to when they can cross road without getting into a potentially dangerous situation.

It’s so important that not only places but that people are aware of those cognitively challenged. Some restaurants actually train their staff to carter to those with such a disability appropriately. Little things like this can make a huge difference.

Another magnificent area for people who are living with dementia is the “Crossrail Place Roof Garden”. Beautiful plants, chirping birds and a piano help people feel calm and simply enjoy the atmosphere. Music can often be the last memory remembered by a person with dementia, which shows how important it is to make people happy by giving them the chance to either listen to Music or even let them play an instrument themselves.  Since the garden is not fully sheltered, the wind makes you feel like you are outside instead on top of a building.

The question we should all ask ourselves is: What can I do to help?

Spreading awareness is probably one of the best things to do. It is so important to know something about diseases like dementia and not only to read but also to talk about it. Canary Wharf is a place which shows how big differences small things really make and that there is always hope for terminally ill people in a place like this. There is room for improvement but it has been a good start so far.