How can I know if Mom can receive VA benefits if she isn't currently in AL?

Dad was in military from 63 to 66. Was honorably discharged and stationed in US. Passed away in 2010. Mom, 67, lives with us mostly because of her finances. The house was foreclosed and she has no assets and can no longer work because of her impaired vision. She has a few cognitive issues and seems not quite in need of full AL but just someone to check on her and help mainly with food preparation. So having an on-site dining room is very appealing.

So I'm trying to figure out if she can live in an IL/AL place and reading about veteran's benefits. If the benefit is for aid to use in AL, can you apply BEFORE moving into an AL place? Because without some kind of financial help, her monthly SS payment won't cover it. How do we find out if it is worth even considering?