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Westlake Today
By the People, for the People
91-Year-Old Found Engrossed in Video Game During Welfare Check
Police in Westlake, Ohio, discovered the woman was simply focused on topping her high score.
Apr. 17, 2026 at 3:38pm
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A welfare check on a 91-year-old woman in Westlake, Ohio, found her happily engrossed in a video game, highlighting the role technology can play in keeping older adults engaged.Westlake TodayPolice in Westlake, Ohio, conducted a welfare check on a 91-year-old woman after she failed to answer a scheduled call from the city's automated check-in system. Unable to reach her by phone, officers used a garage code to get inside her home, where they found her perfectly fine in her bedroom, engrossed in a "bubble pop" video game and intent on topping her high score.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the importance of welfare check programs for elderly residents, which can help identify potential issues and provide assistance when needed. It also shows how technology and video games can keep older adults engaged and entertained, even if it means temporarily ignoring scheduled check-ins.
The details
After the woman's daughter confirmed she should be home and officers got no response at the door, they grew more concerned. Seeing her car in the garage and unable to reach her, officers used a garage code to get inside, where they found the 91-year-old woman in her bedroom, focused on playing a "bubble pop" video game and trying to beat her high score.
- On April 9, 2026, around 6 p.m., police in Westlake, Ohio, were alerted when the 91-year-old woman failed to answer a scheduled call from the city's automated check-in system.
The players
Westlake Police Department
The police department in Westlake, Ohio, that conducted the welfare check on the 91-year-old woman.
91-year-old woman
The elderly resident in Westlake, Ohio, who was found engrossed in a video game during the welfare check.
What they’re saying
“Turned out to be all OK. Everyone got a good laugh out of it.”
— Jerry Vogel, Police Captain
“It's a great reminder that Westlake residents have that service for them and they can sign up any time they want.”
— Jerry Vogel, Police Captain
What’s next
The Westlake Police Department plans to continue promoting its "Are You Okay?" program, which provides daily check-in calls for elderly residents and triggers a follow-up if there's no answer.
The takeaway
This incident highlights the importance of welfare check programs for the elderly, which can help identify potential issues while also showing how technology and video games can keep older adults engaged and entertained, even if it means temporarily ignoring scheduled check-ins.
