An elderly couple who fled their care home just days after moving in have been found safe after a 32-hour search. Colin Geraghty, 89, and his wife Claudette, 83, left Ryman Nellie Melba Retirement Village in south-east Melbourne, Australia, at about 11:15 am on Saturday, July 11, 2026. The couple, married for 65 years, suffer from multiple health conditions: Colin has Alzheimer's disease, while Claudette has vascular dementia and is prone to seizures.
Couple's Second Escape Attempt
This was the couple's second attempt to flee the facility that week. Police had been called just days earlier after the Geraghtys tried to leave. They had moved into the care home the previous Tuesday, July 7. Their daughter, Linda McKelvie, said they were unhappy at the facility. According to Linda, her father left her a touching note that read: "Don't worry, thank you for your help, I'll make sure I look after her."
Search and Discovery
The alarm was raised by their neighbour Sharon Jeikishore, who tried to check on them in the afternoon and received no answer. Police were alerted, and a search began. The couple were caught on CCTV at the Glenn Shopping Centre, where they bought their medication before leaving around midday in their white 2015 Mazda 2. They were missing for about 32 hours before being located in Maryborough, north-west of Melbourne, on Sunday night.
Linda McKelvie expressed her relief and concern, saying: "Please come home mum and dad, we are all so worried about you. Even the grandkids. We are all so worried about you." She later added: "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."
Health Conditions and Family Concerns
The couple's health conditions added to the urgency of the search. Colin's Alzheimer's and Claudette's vascular dementia, which includes seizure risk, made their disappearance particularly concerning. The family and carers were worried for their safety during the 32 hours they were missing.
Linda noted that her father believed he could care for his wife, despite the challenges. The couple's desire to be together and at home drove their escape attempts. The incident highlights the difficulties faced by elderly individuals adjusting to care home life, especially those with cognitive impairments.
