Doctors and nurses are demanding immediate action from the government in what they describe as a crisis in aged care.

The Australian Medical Association and the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation are demanding mandatory minimums for staff-to-resident ratios, greater investment in home care and increased Medicare rebates for GPs working in aged care.

AMA president Tony Bartone said 16,000 Australians died while waiting for a home care package last year, while nearly 120,000 were waiting for a package that would meet their needs.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison says his government is taking action to improve the situation.