Stability may mean that the care is better. If the facility has recently changed owners, ask why the new owners have taken it over and what problems existed under the old management. Ask what the administrator is doing to hire and retain competent staff. A high staff turnover could indicate problems with the facility or its owners. Medicaid pays for about half of all stays in nursing homes.
Families finance the remainder, paying out of their own pockets.
The resident will then be eligible for Medicaid, often within the first six months of residence in the facility. See if you can pin down that point in writing. If you pay privately, you must look beyond the nursing home's stated daily rate to the bundle of extra charges that the facility will bill each month. Some facilities allow you to purchase supplies and services on your own, while others make it difficult to use suppliers that charge less. Figure out which supplies, medications, and extra services your relative will need.