An elderly couple who sparked a major search after disappearing from their aged-care facility have now been found safe, with their daughter revealing they left because they simply wanted to be back home together.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Colin Geraghty, 89, and his wife Claudette, 83, vanished from the Ryman Nellie Melba Retirement Village in Wheelers Hill, in Melbourne’s south-east, on Saturday morning, prompting growing concern from both their family and police, per the Daily Mail.
The couple had only moved into the aged-care facility days earlier after entering respite care, but their daughter believes they struggled with the transition and never wanted to remain there.
The pair left the retirement village at around 11.15AM on Saturday before making their way to The Glen Shopping Centre on Springvale Road.
While there, they purchased their daily medication before being seen leaving at around midday in their white 2015 Mazda 2.
Concern quickly grew later that afternoon when neighbour Sharon Jeikishore attempted to check on them but received no answer.
Their disappearance was particularly alarming given Mr Geraghty is living with Alzheimer’s disease, while Mrs Geraghty has vascular dementia and also suffers seizures.
The search continued for around 32 hours before the couple were eventually located near Maryborough, approximately 168 kilometres north-west of Melbourne, on Sunday night.
Following the discovery, their daughter Linda McKelvie shared why she believes her parents made the decision to leave.
She explained that the move into residential care had been an enormous adjustment after they arrived at the facility just last Tuesday.
The retirement village had already contacted police earlier in the week after the couple attempted to leave once before.
Reflecting on what had happened, Ms McKelvie said: “I think because they were recently in respite care it was such a change for them.
“They didn’t really like being in care and I think they just wanted to be home together.
“Dad thinks he can help her … they feel like all their choices are being taken away.”
The couple’s determination to stay together has been a defining part of their lives. Colin and Claudette have been married for 65 years after first meeting on a dancefloor, and according to their daughter, that bond remains as strong as ever.
As the search unfolded, Ms McKelvie also revealed she had received a heartfelt message from her father after he left with his wife.
It read: “Don’t worry, thank you for your help, I’ll make sure I look after her.”
While family members desperately hoped for their safe return, Ms McKelvie made an emotional public appeal directed at both of her parents.
“Please come home mum and dad, we are all so worried about you,” she said.
“Even the grandkids. We are all so worried about you.”
Fortunately, the search ended with the couple being found safe on Sunday evening, bringing an end to an anxious weekend for their loved ones after more than a day of uncertainty.
Featured image credit: Victoria Police
