The unexpected closure of a private aged care home on the Gold Coast has been described as "gobsmacking" by the state's nurses union.
Queensland Health said the Earle Haven Retirement Village at Nerang "unexpectedly ceased operating" on Thursday afternoon, leaving more than 70 residents without permanent accommodation.
"This is distressing for residents and families of this private aged care facility," a Queensland Health spokesperson said in a statement.
"Our immediate concern is for the health and wellbeing of these residents."
AAP understands the facility closed down over a pay dispute.
Queensland Ambulance and staff from the Gold Coast Hospital were on site to provide assistance to the elderly residents.
Queensland Nurses and Midwives' Union secretary Beth Mohle said the closure was completely out of the blue.
"It's gobsmacking," she told AAP.
"It's shocking this could happen ... It's a reflection of the woefully inadequate regulation of the aged care system."
It's understood equipment, medication and food had been removed from the facility, with the state's health department helping to find short-term accommodation for the residents.
Queensland Health has urged the federal government to find the residents somewhere to live.
