"It is the most appalling situation on so many different levels not only for the residents.

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

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"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."

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.

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