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Should I call APS or HHSC about a problem at my mom's facility?

It depends where it happened. Adult Protective Services, 1-800-252-5400, handles abuse or neglect of adults living in the community. Abuse or neglect

Quick answer

It depends where it happened. Adult Protective Services, 1-800-252-5400, handles abuse or neglect of adults living in the community. Abuse or neglect inside a licensed facility goes to HHSC Complaint and Incident Intake at 1-800-458-9858. Families frequently call the wrong number and lose time.

HomeQuestionsShould I call APS or HHSC about a problem at my mom'
Answer

It depends where it happened. Adult Protective Services, 1-800-252-5400, handles abuse or neglect of adults living in the community. Abuse or neglect inside a licensed facility goes to HHSC Complaint and Incident Intake at 1-800-458-9858. Families frequently call the wrong number and lose time.

What this means in practice

The dividing line is the setting, which is not obvious when a parent moves between them. If your mother lives in her own home with paid caregivers coming in, that is APS. If she lives in an assisted living community, it is HHSC — even if the person you are worried about is a private aide you hired.

During a hospital stay neither is usually the right first call. Hospital risk management and the patient advocate handle concerns arising inside the hospital.

If you genuinely cannot tell which applies, call either and say so. Both intake lines will redirect you rather than turning you away, and that is faster than deliberating.

Related questions

Questions Austin families ask

Should I call APS or HHSC about a problem at my mom's facility?

It depends where it happened. Adult Protective Services, 1-800-252-5400, handles abuse or neglect of adults living in the community. Abuse or neglect inside a licensed facility goes to HHSC Complaint and Incident Intake at 1-800-458-9858. Families frequently call the wrong number and lose time.

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