## Australia's single national gateway
Aged care placement across Australia runs through one national entry point: **My Aged Care** (1800 200 422). Every request for residential respite or permanent placement starts here, and it's the fastest route to real options in a genuine crisis.
For a true emergency, a provider can actually admit someone to **residential respite care before a full ACAT/ACAS assessment is completed**, with the formal assessment arranged within 5 business days afterwards — exactly the situation many Canberra families face after a sudden hospital discharge.
## What actually speeds things up in Canberra
**Call My Aged Care directly and state clearly that it's an emergency.**
**Use the Find a Provider tool to check real vacancies for the specific dates needed.**
**Widen the search across the ACT and into nearby NSW towns like Queanbeyan.** A home just across the border may have a compatible opening sooner.
**Know what respite actually costs.** Once ACAT/ACAS-approved, residential respite is charged at the basic daily fee only (currently around $66.80/day), with no means-tested care fee and no accommodation payment.
## What wastes time
Waiting for a full assessment before calling any providers. Assuming online availability is guaranteed without confirming directly. Limiting the search to a single suburb.
## A practical shortcut
**Curalune Care Help** puts together a shortlist of 3-5 compatible aged care homes across Canberra, usually within 24 working hours, with direct contacts and the right first-call questions — so the family's energy goes into decisions, not research.