When care cannot wait.
Some families come to this decision slowly. Many do not. A fall, a hospital stay, a diagnosis, or a carer who is simply worn out can mean care is needed in days, not months. If that is you right now, take a breath. This can be sorted, and you do not have to do it alone.
Tell June it is urgent
The quickest thing you can do here is ask for a shortlistand choose “as soon as possible” for timing. June reads urgent requests first and sends you a short, focused set of options instead of a whole directory, with the official ratings and costs beside each one. She will also point you to the fast paths below. There is no charge and no obligation.
The fastest people to call today
Alongside your shortlist, these are the people who can move quickly for you. It is worth calling them even before you have chosen anywhere.
- The hospital discharge planner or social worker. If your family member is in hospital, ask to speak with them today. They arrange discharge support and can refer you to short term Transition Care, which gives up to twelve weeks of care and therapy while you organise something longer term.
- My Aged Care, on 1800 200 422. They can arrange a fast assessment and, in genuinely urgent situations, care can begin before all the paperwork is finished. Tell them plainly that the situation is urgent.
- A residential respite stay. Most aged care homes keep places for short respite stays. Respite is a completely normal way to get someone cared for safely within days while the family decides what comes next, and it often converts to a permanent place if the home is the right fit.
- An emergency home care package. If home is still the goal, home care can often start with basic help quickly through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme while a larger package is assessed.
What to have ready
Having a few things to hand makes every one of these calls faster: your family member’s Medicare number, any My Aged Care reference number if you have one, a short note of their main care needs and any medical conditions, and the name of their GP. If you do not have all of it, call anyway. Nobody expects you to have everything perfectly ready.
A note on doing this well, at speed
Moving quickly and choosing well are not opposites. Even in a hurry, you can still see each home’s official Star Rating and ask the questions that matter. June will put that data beside every urgent option so a fast decision is still an informed one. And if the first placement turns out not to be right, a respite or short term arrangement gives you room to change your mind without starting from scratch.
Ask June for an urgent shortlist
CareShortlistis an independent information and referral service. We are not an aged care provider and we do not give medical advice. If someone’s health is at immediate risk, call 000.