CASTLE ROCK, Colo. – It’s been nearly a week since Robert Gautsche, 58, escaped from a rehabilitation center in Castle Rock and his brother says he’s a “nervous wreck.”
Brad Gautsche said his brother has Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS) and needs his medication. WKS is a neurological condition that causes confusion and amnesia and affects short-term memory.
On February 4, Robert escaped from Silver Heights Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation just before 8:00 PM
Brad looked up at his older brother growing up. The father of two had a successful career and a loving family.
“An incredible loving wife, two kids, and the addiction took over,” said Brad.
Robert began to abuse pills and alcohol. Brad remembers convincing his brother to call 911 one drunken night.
“He was admitted to the local hospital and he blew a .48, which is deadly,” Brad said.
In 2020, Brad became the power of attorney for his brother. He managed his finances while his Robert got his life back on track.
Robert got a new job and things went well until he relapsed. According to his brother, he was admitted to Sky Ridge Medical Center, where he was diagnosed with WKS for alcohol abuse.
“It’s like Alzheimer’s on steroids,” said Brad.
Robert was hospitalized in the ICU from February to August with someone who kept a close eye on him. Brad said his brother tried to escape three times.
When he was released, he was transferred to a closed rehabilitation center in Lone Tree, and then to Silver Heights Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation in Castle Rock. Robert was at the facility for three days when he escaped.
“He never would have been transferred here if I had known it wasn’t a 100 percent lockdown facility,” Brad said.
Video obtained by a search and rescue team shows Robert crossing an intersection. He was last captured on camera at King Soopers at Promenade Parkway in Castle Rock.
Denver7 contacted Silver Heights Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation. A spokesperson released the statement below:
“Castlerock takes pride in its excellent care, and one of the areas we focus on is resident privacy rights. As such, we can generally note that we recently had a non-custodial resident leave the facility on our own admission. Concerned about the resident’s well-being, the facility continues to work with the local police, physician and family to locate the resident on a daily basis. We maintain that the facility’s safety standards are sound. “
Brad fears the worst when time passes and searches lead to dead ends. That’s why he begs people to help him find his brother and best friend before it’s too late.
Robert was last seen in a brown leather jacket and jeans.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Detective at (303) 784-7810.