An elderly couple who ran away from their care home due to their discontentment has been found safe after a search operation was conducted. Colin, 89, and Claudette Geraghty, 83, went missing from Ryman Nellie Melba Retirement Village in south-east Melbourne on Saturday morning. They were last seen at the Glenn Shopping Centre where they bought their medication before driving off in their white 2015 Mazda 2.
The couple’s absence was noticed by their neighbor Sharon Jeikishore and their daughter Linda McKelvie, who became worried about their well-being, especially considering Colin’s Alzheimer’s and Claudette’s vascular dementia and seizures. After being missing for approximately 32 hours, they were located in Maryborough, north-west of Melbourne, on Sunday evening. Linda mentioned that her parents were dissatisfied with the care facility, having only recently moved in.
Concerns had been raised earlier when the couple had attempted to escape the care home, prompting police involvement. Linda expressed that the sudden transition to care had been challenging for them, leading to their desire to return home and preserve their autonomy. The couple’s strong bond of 65 years, originating from a chance meeting on a dance floor, was a significant factor in their actions.
Messages from Colin to his daughter indicated his intention to care for Claudette, reassuring her of their safety. Despite this, Linda pleaded with them to come back to the care home, emphasizing the worry and concern shared by the entire family, including their grandchildren.