Who do you call about abuse, neglect or a care complaint in Michigan?
For suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation, call MDHHS Adult Protective Services at 855-444-3911, any time; for a rule complaint about an adult foster care home or home for the aged, use LARA's online complaint form or call 866-856-0126; for help resolving a concern as a resident, call the Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman at 866-485-9393. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
Last verified: October 2026| Situation | Who | How |
|---|---|---|
| Abuse, neglect, exploitation of a vulnerable adult | MDHHS Adult Protective Services | 855-444-3911, day or night |
| AFC home or home for the aged broke a licensing rule | LARA Bureau of Community and Health Systems | Online complaint form; 866-856-0126 |
| Nursing home care or rules | LARA Bureau of Survey and Certification | File a complaint on the BSC page |
| Resident rights, care problems, discharge disputes | Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman | 866-485-9393 |
| Immediate danger | Police / EMS | 911 |
Source: MDHHS Adult Protective Services
What does Michigan Adult Protective Services do?
APS investigators protect vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect and exploitation, working with mental health, public health, law enforcement, the probate courts and the aging network; MDHHS says staff investigate allegations within 24 hours after a report is received.
APS is the right call when a person is being harmed, wherever they live -- including at home with a family member. You do not need proof to report; you need a reasonable concern. The statutory framework is the Social Welfare Act, MCL 400.11.
How do you file a licensing complaint with LARA?
Use LARA's online complaint form, or print the paper form and mail or fax it to the Adult Foster Care Licensing Complaint Intake Unit in Lansing (fax 517-763-0218), or call 866-856-0126. Your name is kept confidential unless a court orders otherwise, and you may file anonymously.
LARA notes that anonymous complaints can be hard to confirm because the licensing consultant cannot call you back. A complaint must allege a violation of the facility's licensing act or rules; abuse and neglect go to APS at 855-444-3911. If the complaint leads to an investigation, the resulting report appears on the home's profile.
Source: LARA: File a Complaint
What does the long-term care ombudsman do?
The Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman Program works with residents and families to solve concerns about care, services, or rights of residents living in nursing homes, adult foster care facilities, or homes for the aged; free and confidential. Call 866-485-9393 to reach your local ombudsman.
The ombudsman works for the resident, not the home or the family, and acts with the resident's permission. It is especially useful for discharge notices, care-plan disputes and rights questions, where a neutral advocate who knows the rules can resolve things without a formal complaint.
Source: Michigan Legal Help: Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman Program
