Moving Mom to Los Angeles from Florida; Medicaid/Medicare. Any Ideas?

Hi, and thanks to anyone for any advice or information, in advance.

My mother is in a skilled nursing facility in Orlando, FL, but we would like to have her closer to us. (My worked caused us to move to LA.) We live in Van Nuys, a satellite city on Los Angeles county.

My mother is what is apparently referred to here as Medi/Medi: Medicaide and Medicare. She has no retirement left and we are still building in our careers and haven't the resources to support her. I am the youngest of three, but my older brother and sister aren't able to participate in her care at all. They can barely support themselves.

My mom is actually in a pretty great place, and it kills me to move her because it's at least a known quantity. They steal little things from her, silly stuff, really; denture adhesive, shirts, almost nothing of real value, but at least she's safe, and it's immaculately clean. And her food is very good. I agree with her however, it's incredibly boring. If I can just find the same kind of place here, at least I can go pick her up a few times per week and bring her shopping, out to lunch, and over to my apartment on the weekends. I have a nice little yard. I know she would love it.

But honestly, I am the least administratively-minded person on Earth. What is the first step? Does she have to be here, or can I start the paperwork for California state aid beforehand?

Lastly, despite what I just asked, I don't feel right about taking state aid. If anyone has any personal/spiritual/moral feelings or thoughts about this, please, I'd like to hear them. I'm a very firm believer, and if God wants me to take a step of faith, then I should. I know he'll bless my efforts. But I'm just scared to death of doing something stupid.

Ok, maybe I'm being a little dramatic, I guess I just mean that I don't want to get into something that's way over my head.

Any help would be SO appreciated.

Thank you,

Jim