Elderly Couple’s Mysterious Disappearance Ends in Relief as Family Reveals the Heartbreaking Note They Left
Colin, 89, and Claudette, 83 were found in Maryborough after leaving their retirement village in Wheelers Hill. Picture: Victoria Police
A missing elderly couple who fled a Melbourne aged care facility on Saturday, sparking police and family concerns, have been found safe and well.
Married couple Colin, 89, and Claudette, 83, left Ryman Nellie Melba Retirement Village in Wheelers Hill about 11am Saturday.
They purchased their daily medications and were spotted heading west on the Monash Freeway that afternoon but then went missing for about 32 hours.
There were concerns about Colin and Claudette’s wellbeing when they went missing. Picture: Victoria Police
Police on Sunday night said they had been found in the Maryborough area, about two hours drive from where they were last seen.
Earlier, concerned daughter Linda McKelvie said she was worried about her father’s recent Alzheimer’s diagnosis as well as her mother’s vascular dementia and frequent seizures – with both relying on daily medication to manage their symptoms.
Daughter Linda McKelvie (right) and neighbour Sharon Jeikishore. Picture: Tony Gough
The couple discharged themselves from Ryman Nellie Melba Retirement Village in Wheelers Hill. Picture: Tony Gough
“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,” Ms McKelvie said.
“Dad thinks he can help her … they feel like all their choices are being taken away.”
The pair had only been in the care facility since last Tuesday.
The couple have been married 65 years.
CCTV caught the pair leaving The Glen Shopping Centre on Saturday. Picture: Victoria Police
Ms McKelvie said the pair, married 65 years, were unhappy with their living situation and the facility alerted police earlier in the week after Colin and Claudette attempted to leave for the first time.
About noon Saturday, the pair were spotted on CCTV in the carpark of The Glen Shopping Centre on Springvale Rd in their white 2015 Mazda 2.
Colin left his daughter a message shortly after they left, saying: “don’t worry, thank you for your help, I’ll make sure I look after her”.
Ms McKelvie said: “my dad doesn’t realise he has memory issues.’’
