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Father Deane retired in 1986. Over the next 10 years he had from time to time visited Sydney for medical treatment of his Parkinson disease. He had become familiar with Sydney where he had a lot of old boys and friends to accompany and look after him. The weather here was particularly good for him. On several occasions, Father had indicated to the Salesians, his students and friends that he would prefer to retire in Sydney.
Notwithstanding his wishes, Father returned to Ireland in April 1997 and resided at a nursing home in Dublin. His friends, Bosco and Chris Keown who lived some 50 km away from the nursing home, visited Father regularly (about once or twice a week). They often took Father out for lunch and for shopping outings in the local supermarkets. His sister Eileen and Father Foster also made regular weekly visits. From time to time, his old boys and friends came to visit him from abroad.
Father's physical and mental condition was unstable during the period 1997 to 2001. This was further aggravated by his desolation in an environment he has been away for so many years. He needed more care and stimulation from friends he was familiar with and trusts. In some moments he was quite depressed but there was nothing he can do about his own situation.
The Salesians have done whatever they can to help Father by providing him with a good retirement in Ireland. But there was not much extra they can do to give him the kind of attention and care demanded by a Parkinson's disease patient.
Father had done much for his pupils in the past. He was well respected, loved and cared of by a lot of Aloysians who are prepared to do whatever was needed for Father to alleviate his suffering.
In 1998, a group of Old Boys in Sydney identified a suitable Nursing Home for Father in Sydney. They welcomed Father's relocation from Ireland and were committed to jointly share the load of providing him with a happy and comfortable living for the remaining time of his life. However, the invitation extended to Father Deane to visit Sydney in 1998 was unsuccessful.
Theresa Lee visited Fr. Deane in September 99 soon after he was transferred to the new nursing home. A couple of days after he arrived he became ill. He had a temperature and had kidney infection. Father was very unhappy and depressed. He was weak, couldn't even eat and had to be fed.
He was very sick and was also complaining about his leg being very painful and he could not stand up.
By the end of the second week of Theresa's stay in Dublin, his condition had not improved and the doctor then admitted him to the hospital the day Theresa had to depart Dublin. The hospital eventually found out that he had septic arthritis on his leg. He was in hospital for a week.
The nursing home was very short of staff and he was confined to a wheelchair, as there was no staff available to walk him. Out of concern that Father might fall if he tried to standup, he was virtually locked in his chair.
Theresa visited him again in November 99. She got him out of the wheelchair, gave him his walker and helped him to walk everyday. With help, he managed to walk a little after a few days and he became a bit happier.
The shortage of nursing aids and carers in Ireland had not improved. Fortunately Theresa managed to find a carer to keep him company for 2 hours twice a week. The nursing staff reported that the carer was very good. She would give him a cup of tea, accompanied him to walk and read to him. Theresa had also arranged to give him regular massage treatment as Parkinson patients tended to be very rigid with tense muscles. Father seemed to be settling down and he also appeared to be a lot better now.
In late 1999, a group of Old Boys in Sydney set up a trust fund in Father's name to help provide him with the resources required to improve his quality of life.
In mid 2000 finally we secured the service of a carer who can help Father every weekday. His condition greatly improved, gained some weight and seemed happier. For further information on Fr Deane please continue.
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