Who to call about a problem with care
If someone is in danger right now, call 911. For a problem in a nursing home or assisted living, call your state’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman. Pick your state below, or call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116. Every call is free.
Find your state’s ombudsman
Is someone being hurt, ignored, or robbed?
Call Adult Protective Services in your state. They look into abuse, neglect, and money taken from older or disabled adults. The Eldercare Locator can connect you: 1-800-677-1116.
If the person lives in a nursing home or assisted living, also call the Long-Term Care Ombudsman. This is a free, private helper for residents. They can speak up for your loved one and help you file a complaint.
Is the care poor, but no one is in danger?
File a complaint with your state survey agency. This is the state office that inspects nursing homes, home health, and hospice. It can come in and check. The ombudsman can help you with this too.
Is it home health, hospice, or equipment that Medicare pays for?
Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). You can also ask Medicare’s quality reviewer to look at the care. Medicare’s complaints page tells you how.
Not sure who to call?
Start with the ombudsman or the Eldercare Locator. They will point you to the right office.
Sources
- Eldercare Locator, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL). Phone checked Oct 21, 2026.
- National Long-Term Care Ombudsman locator (Consumer Voice / National Ombudsman Resource Center, ACL-funded). Checked Oct 10, 2026.
- Medicare: State Survey Agencies. Checked Oct 19, 2026.
- Medicare.gov: Filing complaints. Checked Oct 19, 2026.
PlanScout is not a government office. We do not take complaints. This page tells you who does.