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.

Call Adult Protective Services, 1-866-ENDHARM

Washington Adult Protective Services (APS) at 1-866-363-4276 (1-866-ENDHARM). Statewide, 24/7. They investigate suspected abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of vulnerable adults living in the community (private home, alone, with family, or in unlicensed care arrangements). Reports can be anonymous. APS will visit, do a welfare check, and connect to services if needed. They cannot remove a competent adult who refuses help, but they can document and follow up.

Document, then follow up

Write down what you observed and when, with dates and specific examples. Photographs of injuries, environment, or fraudulent documents are useful if you have them. APS will ask for this on the follow-up call. Don't confront the suspected abuser before APS visits, that often pushes the situation underground or accelerates financial transfers.

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.

If you suspect a paid caregiver is the abuser, contact the licensing board

Home care aides, certified nursing assistants, and registered nurses are all licensed by the WA Department of Health. File a complaint at doh.wa.gov complaint portal. Licensure complaints are independent of the APS investigation and can result in license suspension while APS works.

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.