The Federal Government is being urged to allow temporary workers with European language skills to help communities that are struggling to cope in the aged care sector.

Cardinal Stepinac Village is an aged care facility for members of the Croatian community. CEO Matt Smolcic says there is an acute shortage of aged care workers with the language skills to cope with an ageing population.

He points out that people who once spoke English perfectly often lose that ability when dementia takes hold. “They can't even ask for a glass of water, to be toileted or whatever. We do need to have staff who can understand and communicate with them."

Kathy Eberl (pictured) of Saint Hedwig Village says her organisation for the German community is facing a similar problem.

"It's quite a difficult situation where someone who is caring for you can't explain what they're going to be doing."

A group of 10 aged care facilities for European communities has submitted a petition to the federal Minister for Immigration, Chris Bowen Minister and for Health and Ageing, Mark Butler.

“Looking at the visas is one thing we're asking the government to consider,” said Ms Eberl. “If we can't find those people in Australia then we do need to look elsewhere."