Elder abuse is one of the most underreported crimes in Texas — physical harm, neglect, emotional abuse, and financial exploitation of seniors, often by the very people trusted to care for them. If a senior is in immediate danger, call 911. Otherwise, Texas gives you a clear, free path to report and get help.
How to report: call 1-800-252-5400
Texas Adult Protective Services (APS), part of the Department of Family and Protective Services, investigates abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of Texans 65 or older who live in the community, and adults 18–64 with a disability that substantially affects their ability to live independently.
To report:
- Call: 1-800-252-5400 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
- Online (non-urgent): txabusehotline.org
Texas law requires anyone who suspects abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an elderly or disabled person to report it. Reports may be made anonymously, and anyone who reports in good faith is immune from civil and criminal liability. Failing to report can be a misdemeanor or felony.
If the abuse is happening inside a licensed nursing home or assisted living facility, report to Texas Health and Human Services instead: 800-458-9858.
What happens after you report
APS reviews the report and, if it meets criteria, a local caseworker investigates — prioritized by severity. If abuse is confirmed, APS can arrange services: food, shelter or help finding housing, medical or mental health treatment, legal help, or financial help.
One important note: an older person with decision-making capacity has the right to refuse APS help, even when family disagrees. APS works with the senior, not around them, whenever possible.
Warning signs of elder abuse
- Physical: unexplained bruises, burns, fractures, or frequent “accidents”
- Neglect: poor hygiene, dehydration, malnutrition, untreated medical problems, unsafe living conditions
- Emotional: withdrawal, fearfulness, agitation, or a caregiver who won’t leave the senior alone with visitors
- Financial exploitation: missing money or valuables, sudden changes to wills or powers of attorney, unpaid bills despite adequate income, a new “best friend” handling finances
Financial exploitation is the most common form — and the hardest to spot. If a senior’s money is suddenly going missing, that’s worth a report on its own.
Free local help for seniors and caregivers
- 2-1-1 Texas — dial 2-1-1 for referrals to senior services, caregiver support, and respite care in Bexar County.
- CHCS (210-261-2427) provides counseling and mental health services for seniors on a sliding scale.
- FVPS includes elderly victims in its family violence services: (210) 733-8810.
FAQ
Can I report anonymously?
Yes. And Texas law protects good-faith reporters from liability.
What if I’m not sure it’s abuse?
Report anyway. APS decides whether it meets investigation criteria — that’s their job, not yours. Reasonable suspicion is the standard, not proof.
Does the senior have to agree to get help?
If APS confirms abuse, they offer services — but a senior with capacity can refuse them. APS will still document the case and check back.
What about abuse in a nursing home?
APS doesn’t investigate licensed facilities. Call Texas Health and Human Services at 800-458-9858 for nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
