Colin, 89, and Claudette Geraghty, 83, were found near Maryborough, Victoria, approximately 168 kilometers northwest of Melbourne, on Sunday night, about 32 hours after they left the Ryman Nellie Melba Retirement Village in Wheelers Hill on Saturday around 11:15 a.m.
The couple visited The Glen Shopping Centre, purchased their daily medication, and were last seen leaving at midday in their white 2015 Mazda 2. Their disappearance was reported by a neighbor who received no answer when checking on them later that afternoon. Their daughter, Linda McKelvie, also expressed concern due to her father's Alzheimer's and her mother's vascular dementia and seizures.
According to Ms. McKelvie, the pair had moved into the aged-care facility the previous Tuesday and were unhappy, with the facility having alerted police earlier in the week after an initial attempt by the Geraghtys to leave. Ms. McKelvie believes the change in environment, from respite care to a permanent facility, was difficult for them. "They didn't really like being in care and I think they just wanted to be home together," she said.
Ms. McKelvie relayed a message from her father on the day they went missing: "Don't worry, thank you for your help, I'll make sure I look after her." She had urged them to return home, stating, "Please come home mum and dad, we are all so worried about you. Even the grandkids. We are all so worried about you."
Colin and Claudette Geraghty first met on the dance floor and have been married for 65 years.