Some staff who are owed money after the sudden closure of a Gold Coast nursing home can't afford to feed their families or pay mortgages and rent.

The Queensland Nurses Union is demanding an immediate hardship payment for staff who are owed thousands of dollars after the sudden closure of a Gold Coast nursing home.

Union president Beth Mohle has written to Aged Care Minister Richard Colbeck asking for financial assistance for staff who can't afford to feed their families or pay mortgages and rent.

Police are investigating after more than 70 frail residents of Earle Haven Retirement Village - some with dementia - were removed to other nursing homes when the home closed suddenly last week following a dispute between the owner, People Care, and subcontractor HelpStreet.

Distressed residents and staff face an uncertain future in what is an unprecedented situation, Ms Mohle says.

"It is the most appalling situation on so many different levels not only for the residents," she told AAP on Monday.

"What we have right now are vulnerable workers who through no fault of their own have been thrown into financial hardship and unemployment.

"They need assistance. They have to feed their families, pay their mortgages and rent."

Ms Mohle said staff are owed thousands of dollars and the union was gearing up to battle for leave and superannuation entitlements.

If the home is placed into administration, she fears it could take years before staff are paid what they are owed.

"That is why we have asked for a payment to be made to staff who have been adversely affected by the disastrous situation."

Patient records, drugs and even food supplies were stripped from the aged-care home that abruptly shut down on Thursday.

Detectives are investigating whether any criminal offences had been committed and the federal government has also promised a full investigation into the facility's owner and the aged-care contractor.

Shadow minister for ageing Julie Collins said staff impacted by the closure of the facility must have access to any pay, superannuation and leave entitlements they are owed.

"There must be a serious examination of whether the current regulations of residential aged care are strong enough to stop this kind of event happening again," Ms Collins said.