If this is an emergency
- Call 911 for a police, fire or medical emergency.
- Call or text 988 for a mental health or substance use crisis.
- Indiana FSSA DMHA: 988 Indiana says: “911 remains available for police, fire, and medical emergencies.” (checked 2026-10-12)
- Indiana FSSA DMHA: 988 Indiana says: “a mental health or substance use crisis, please call or text 9-8-8” (checked 2026-10-12)
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. To report suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation of an adult in Indiana, call Adult Protective Services at 800-992-6978.
- Indiana FSSA Adult Protective Services: Adult Protective Services says: “APS is not an emergency responder, if you believe someone is in immediate danger, call 911 immediately.” (checked 2026-10-12)
- Indiana FSSA Adult Protective Services: Adult Protective Services says: “Individuals may file a report online or by calling the state hotline or calling an APS field office.” (checked 2026-10-12)
- Indiana FSSA Adult Protective Services: Adult Protective Services says: “State hotline: 800-992-6978” (checked 2026-10-12)
Indiana guidance. Status unknown, call to confirm.
You are worried about care in an Indiana nursing home
Get emergency help first, report abuse or neglect, and ask the Long-Term Care Ombudsman about care concerns.
Step 1: Raise the concern with the facility
Talk with staff or leaders at the facility. You can also file a written grievance with the facility.
- Indiana Long-Term Care Ombudsman: How to file a complaint says: “Talk directly to staff and/or leadership at the facility. File a written grievance with the facility.” (checked 2026-10-12)
Step 2: Call the Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Residents and families can file a complaint about quality of life or care. Call 800-622-4484.
- Indiana Long-Term Care Ombudsman: How to file a complaint says: “you have the right to file a complaint regarding your concerns about the quality of life or care” (checked 2026-10-12)
- Indiana Long-Term Care Ombudsman: Contact information says: “Information/complaint line: 800-622-4484 or 317-232-7134” (checked 2026-10-12)
Step 3: File a complaint with the Indiana Department of Health
You can file online or call 1-800-246-8909.
- Indiana Department of Health: Nursing Home Resident Rights says: “by filling out the Online Complaint Submission form or by calling 1-800-246-8909.” (checked 2026-10-12)
Step 4: Ask about any transfer or discharge
The facility must give written notice before a transfer or discharge. Ask the ombudsman about it if you get one.
- Indiana Department of Health: Nursing Home Resident Rights says: “The facility must provide you with written notice before you are to be transferred or discharged from the facility” (checked 2026-10-12)
- Indiana Long-Term Care Ombudsman: Contact information says: “Information/complaint line: 800-622-4484 or 317-232-7134” (checked 2026-10-12)
Keep these ready if you have them
- Dates and notes about what happened
- Names of staff you talked with
- Any notice from the facility
Status unknown, call to confirm. Call 800-622-4484 before you make plans.
- Indiana Long-Term Care Ombudsman: Contact information says: “Information/complaint line: 800-622-4484 or 317-232-7134” (checked 2026-10-12)
Not legal advice. The agency or program decides what applies to your situation.