Victoria has made a submission to the royal commission into aged care calling on the federal government to legislate minimum staffing for better patient care.

Victoria wants the federal government to legislate minimum staffing in aged care centres and have greater patient access to healthcare, ahead of an interim report into the sector.

The state government has made a submission to the royal commission into aged care requesting minimum staffing be enshrined in law to ensure people get proper care, a statement on Thursday reads.

Public nursing homes have a ratio of one staff member per seven residents for morning shifts in Victoria, but private homes and not-for-profits are not regulated in the same way.

Some older Australians in aged-care centres struggle to access health care including doctors and dentists, and waiting times are growing for Home Care Packages across Australia, the state Labor government says.

"Our vision for the future of Australian aged care is a well-trained and resourced sector with integrated health care that supports our older citizens in making their own choices, no matter where they live," Ageing and Carers Minister Luke Donnellan said.

Australia has about 366,000 aged care workers, although there has been a decline in the proportion of nurses and a corresponding increase in personal care attendants.

The royal commission's interim report is expected to be released on Thursday, with the final report due by 12 November 2020.