A lack of aged care spots is leaving thousands of older Australians stuck in hospital and "effectively homeless", as state and territory health officials urge the federal government to do more.

A paper being presented at a meeting of state and Commonwealth health ministers warns almost 2500 people are languishing in hospitals across the nation, sometimes for months at a time, because they can't access a residential aged care bed.

The issue is estimated to cost taxpayers almost $1 billion a year, and makes it harder for people with acute injuries and illnesses to access a hospital bed.

South Australian Health Minister Chris Picton is chairing the meeting of ministers, which is being held in Perth, and says the bed block is a "national tragedy."

"It's staggering that right now across the

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