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Two reporting paths, depending on where it's happening

Suspected abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation is reported to two different agencies in Washington depending on where the parent lives. Both accept anonymous reports and both will start a welfare check or an investigation within 24 to 72 hours.

#1

Call the LTC Ombudsman first

For licensed residential facilities (assisted living, adult family homes, nursing homes, memory care), the Long-Term Care (LTC) Ombudsman is the right first call. 1-800-562-6028. They're a neutral patient advocate, paid by the state, with the authority to investigate and mediate. Faster than APS for facility cases and less adversarial. The Ombudsman can also tell you what complaints are already on file at the facility. Full details →
#2

Also report to DSHS RCS

Residential Care Services (RCS) at Washington Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) licenses and inspects facilities statewide. File a complaint at the RCS complaint line 1-800-562-6078. The Ombudsman handles individual advocacy, RCS handles the licensing investigation. Both should be in the loop for serious concerns.
#3

If financial exploitation is involved, call the bank too

Washington banks have specific elder-financial-exploitation reporting channels separate from APS. Call your parent's bank's fraud line and ask for the “elder protective hold” review. They can flag the account, slow down or reverse recent transfers, and coordinate with the WA Department of Financial Institutions. Most banks have authority to put a 5 to 30 day hold on suspect transactions for vulnerable adults. The bank often moves faster than APS on the money side.

After the immediate hour

Once the crisis is delayed or stabilized, you have time. Take the standard quiz to get curated picks for the longer arc. COPES eligibility, your AAA, family caregiver support, what to set up before the next round.

These scripts are paraphrased from caregivers who have been through these situations on r/dementia, r/AgingParents, ALZConnected, and AARP. They are not legal or medical advice. The LTC Ombudsman, your AAA, and the Alzheimer's helpline are all free and can advise on the specifics of your situation.

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