The reason behind why dozens of Gold Coast nursing home patients were left to fend for themselves during a pay dispute may be dissected in the aged care royal commission.
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Patients were evacuated from the Earle Haven Retirement Village last week after it was suddenly closed and stripped of equipment and other items like food.
The federal government and Australian Federal Police are investigating the forced closure, but it is also on the commission's radar.
"The Royal Commission is aware of the reported events at Earle Haven, and is considering whether to include this matter in its inquiry," a spokesman told AAP on Tuesday.
The commission, which is sitting this week in Cairns, has already heard allegations of neglect and mistreatment of residents living in nursing homes, as well as woefully tight food budgets that make it virtually impossible to provide adequate nutrition.
The subcontractor that ran Earle Haven welcomed the news, and has urged the commission to get involved.
HelpStreet claims it hasn't been paid by People Care, which owns the facility.
"Serious questions need to be asked about People Care's business practices," HelpStreet founder Kris Bunker said.
People Care engaged HelpStreet in April 2018 to operate the aged care facility.
Witnesses who were present when about 70 frail residents were evacuated last week say the home was stripped of patient records, medication, food, furniture and even cooking equipment.
In a statement on Tuesday, HelpStreet said People Care was sanctioned by the federal government and claimed its provider status was revoked in May 2017 because it failed to comply with home care standards.
It also alleged that People Care was also slapped with a non-compliance notice by the federal health department in January over its financial reporting.
Mr Bunker said HelpStreet improved food and laundry services at the facility and replaced urine-soaked mattresses.
"There need to be guidelines put in place for people working in aged care so that the most vulnerable in our community can never find themselves in this situation again," he said.
Permanent residents still living independently at the village met on Tuesday where they were assured their homes were secure.
Australian Associated Press
