Deciding to place a loved one in a nursing home is difficult, but families do it with the expectation that their loved one will receive proper care, safety, and respect. Unfortunately, that trust is sometimes broken. If you suspect a loved one is experiencing mistreatment, knowing how to report nursing home abuse in Texas can help you protect them and seek justice.
Recognizing the Warning Signs of Abuse and Neglect
Nursing home abuse in Texas can take many forms—physical, emotional, financial, and medical. Because residents may be unable or afraid to speak up, it’s critical for family members and caregivers to remain alert and informed.
Common red flags of abuse or neglect include:
- Unexplained injuries, such as bruises, broken bones, or burns;
- Poor hygiene, including soiled clothes, bedsores, or an unwashed appearance;
- Rapid weight loss or signs of dehydration;
- Behavioral changes, such as fear, depression, or withdrawal;
- Worsening health issues, especially when medical needs appear to be ignored;
- Frequent falls, which could suggest a lack of supervision; and
- Missing money or valuables, or unusual banking activity.
If any of these signs appear, document them thoroughly. Keep written records, take photos when appropriate, and speak to your loved one privately. These details will be vital when you report elder abuse in Texas to the proper authorities.
How to Report Nursing Home Abuse in Texas
Texas offers several ways to report suspected abuse, depending on the nature and severity of the situation. Acting quickly can help ensure your loved one is protected from further harm.
1. Start with the Facility’s Administration
For non-urgent situations, consider addressing the issue directly with the nursing home administrator. Request a meeting and submit your concerns in writing. Ask for a formal response or action plan. If you receive no meaningful follow-up or if the issue is serious, move on to the state-level reporting options.
2. Contact Texas Adult Protective Services (APS)
Adult Protective Services, operated by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, investigates abuse, neglect, and exploitation of elderly and disabled adults in the state. To report nursing home neglect in Texas, contact APS:
- By phone—through the Texas Abuse Hotline at 1-800-252-5400 (available 24/7); or
- Online—through the Texas Abuse Hotline website, where you can submit a secure report for non-urgent situations.
APS investigates both community-based abuse and incidents inside long-term care facilities.
3. File a Complaint with Texas Health and Human Services (HHS)
The HHS oversees inspections, licensing, and enforcement for nursing homes in Texas. If you believe the facility is violating care standards, you can file a complaint:
- By phone—at 1-800-458-9858 (Monday–Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.);
- By fax—to 833-709-5735; or
- By mail—to the Health and Human Services Commission Complaint and Incident Intake, Mail Code E-249, P.O. Box 149030, Austin, Texas 78714.
HHS can investigate issues related to nursing home care quality, safety, staffing, facility cleanliness, and patient rights.
4. Reach out to the Texas Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
The Texas Long-Term Care Ombudsman advocates for nursing home and assisted living residents. Ombudsmen help resolve disputes, mediate complaints, and protect residents’ rights.
You can connect with an ombudsman in your area by calling 1-800-252-2412. Ombudsmen are trained to support families during the complaint process and can often facilitate faster resolutions.
5. Contact Local Law Enforcement
If you believe a crime has occurred, such as physical assault, sexual abuse, or financial exploitation, contact the local police department or sheriff’s office. For immediate emergencies, call 911. For non-emergencies, use the department’s non-emergency line.
Criminal investigations can run concurrently with state regulatory investigations, especially in severe cases of harm or neglect.
What to Include in Your Report
When reporting nursing home abuse in Texas, your complaint should be as thorough and specific as possible. It allows agencies to investigate quickly and effectively. Be sure to include:
- The resident’s name and the name and location of the facility;
- A clear description of the issue, including dates, symptoms, and staff interactions;
- Any supporting evidence, such as photos, medical records, or eyewitness names; and
- Your contact information (though anonymous reports are accepted).
Keep copies of all reports and communication for your records and future reference.
Why Reporting Nursing Home Abuse Is So Important
Elder abuse often goes undetected because victims may feel helpless or afraid to speak up.
When you report elder abuse in Texas, you help:
- Hold negligent nursing homes accountable,
- Create a record of unsafe practices or repeat violations,
- Improve overall care standards and regulatory enforcement, and
- Give a voice to those who can’t advocate for themselves.
Your decision to report abuse may not only protect your own loved one, but it could prevent similar harm to others.
Need Help Reporting Nursing Home Abuse in Texas?
At Senior Justice Law Firm, we understand how emotionally overwhelming it can be to discover that a loved one has been harmed in a place that was meant to keep them safe. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to help families take action. Our team of award-winning lawyers is dedicated to seeking justice for vulnerable victims of nursing home neglect and abuse across Texas. We’ve helped families and victims recover millions in just compensation, and we’re ready to advocate for you.
If you need support or legal representation to report a nursing home, contact us today for a free consultation. Together, we can protect your loved one’s rights and work toward meaningful accountability.
