Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation - Abbotsford, British Columbia

Gump I. (.

To whom it may concern,

My name is L D , and I had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Sisko Koponen on November 7, 2017, during my visit to Cottage-Worthington Pavilion.

Overview:
Approximately two months ago, I became aware of the case of Mrs. Sisko Koponen, an elderly lady who had been unwillingly removed from her family home, where she had lived for 20 years, and admitted to Worthington Pavilion. Her son, Mr. Dean Koponen, had been her primary caregiver, attending to her daily needs. However, without consulting Mr. Koponen, the eldest daughter, Bonita Koponen, removed their mother from her home and admitted her to the care facility.

As I learned more about the circumstances surrounding Mrs. Koponen’s removal, I grew increasingly concerned about the treatment she was receiving, particularly from her eldest daughter. Although I had no prior acquaintance with this family, I reached out to Mr. Dean Koponen to express my concerns and requested permission to visit his mother. He graciously agreed and mentioned that he often read passages from the Bible to her during his visits, which she enjoyed greatly. He suggested I do the same.

Visitation:
On November 7, 2017, I entered Mrs. Koponen's room at Worthington Pavilion and introduced myself as a friend of her son. I asked if it would be alright to read to her from the Bible. Initially, Mrs. Koponen appeared reserved and concerned, but she quickly relaxed upon hearing her son’s name.

During our visit, I carefully observed her mental and physical state, as these were the primary concerns at the time. As I read passages from the Bible, I asked her questions related to what I had just read. She answered clearly and correctly within a reasonable time frame. Given that Mrs. Koponen is completely blind, she often looked around the room without making eye contact, something I was aware of before our visit, so it did not concern me.

Periodically, I paused to ask her about the care she was receiving at Worthington Pavilion. Whenever I did so, she seemed distressed and would look to her left, toward a group of care providers seated just outside her door. She appeared worried about them overhearing her responses. I found her behavior odd and noted that no nurses entered the room to check on her or offer anything during our 90-minute visit. Her lips were chapped, so I gave her a glass of water, which she gratefully accepted.

Towards the end of our visit, I asked Mrs. Koponen how she felt about staying at Worthington Pavilion. It was clear from her responses that she was unhappy, lonely, and sad, and had been given no choice in the matter. The only comfort she seemed to find was in hearing her son’s name or listening to passages from the Bible.

Before leaving, I held her hand, thanked her for allowing me to visit and read to her, and said goodbye. I considered taking a picture of her to send to her son, but when I asked the care providers in the hallway, I was told that photographs were not allowed.

Conclusion:
Based on our conversation and what I observed during my visit, I believe Mrs. Koponen is of sound mind. However, she was removed from her home against her wishes and abandoned by her eldest daughter. Additionally, I feel that Worthington Pavilion has neglected Mrs. Koponen's

I’m not seeking a response from anyone because nothing said can change my feelings or opinion about your mother’s cognitive state when I saw her. While I can’t change the past, my hope is that this may impact the future. I want to make it clear that your mother was left to die alone, with inadequate care. Out of her three children, you were the only one who cared enough to visit her daily and take a stand when you became aware of your sister's negligence.
To expedite your mother’s death, she ensured she received the lowest level of care legally permission. You say yoir sister is ignorant to what is happening , but I believe different after these visits .

Bryan B.

Liz and Eleanor are amazing and the FVHCF has made huge contributions to the hospitals

Jack H.

They are a great foundation they help out so many people .

Amnieh K.

NSX R.