Labor has promised $5 million to improve translation services for older migrant Australians in aged care if it wins the August 21 poll.
The promise includes $2.2 million for interpreter services to help older people from non-English speaking backgrounds.
Aged-care staff would also be provided with training to improve their cultural awareness.
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The announcement on Friday was made in a joint statement by Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Health Minister Nicola Roxon.
"Currently older persons from ethnic backgrounds make up around 15 per cent of people in residential aged-care facilities," they said, adding language difficulties meant seniors might not receive timely care and support.
