Davidson Networking Spotlight: Katie Mentor of Assisted Living Made Simple

When it comes to selecting an assisted living facility, one size does not fit all. That’s where Katie Mentor comes in. The Senior Advisor for Assisted Living Made Simple is dedicated to helping people find assisted living or memory care when they are no longer safe to stay at home.

The company, based in New Smyrna Beach, makes placements throughout much of the state. As a resident of St. Augustine, Katie concentrates on Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra and Nocatee.

The service, which is free to families, is focused on easing an often difficult process. As Katie puts it, “It is such a stressful transition and we do everything possible to make it easy for everyone concerned.”

Katie also attends Davidson Realty’s Networking Events, which take place monthly in World Golf Village and Jacksonville Beach. Katie said, “I’ve met a lot of interesting people and have made some great connections for referrals.  It’s a great group!”

Learn more about Katie and her work below!

How does the process work at Assisted Living Made Simple?  I look at each individual to determine what their needs are – physically, socially, financially and mentally.  Then I match them up with places that are the best fit for them. We see things from an entirely different perspective.  While big, beautiful, bright and shiny is appealing, more importantly the quality of care has to be the primary concern.

What sets you apart from other similar placement services? We work very closely with the family as well as the individual who needs to be placed. They are our clients and as such we do not share any of their personal information. We protect their privacy and do not want them to be inundated with solicitations. We tour with the families personally and negotiate with the different communities on their behalf.   

Do you offer additional services? In addition to placement services we have a small army of individuals and companies that we can refer. Everything from in-home care to moving services, to procurement of VA benefits and elder law attorneys, just to name a few. 

We also have a resource center in our New Smyrna Beach office where we accept used medical equipment and donate it to anyone who needs it—everything from wheelchairs to hospital beds. We had a walker that has been given away and returned four times!  The community has been very kind and generous with their donations.

What made you want to pursue a career with Assisted Living Made Simple?  Before I started with Assisted Living Made Simple, I worked in sales and marketing for a radio station.  Assisted Living Made Simple’s owner Rose Traub was one of my clients.  When she heard I had moved to St. Augustine she asked me to come to work for her. I was very flattered. We always had a great working relationship and that continues today.

What was your inspiration to switch industries?  I had the responsibility to place my Mom back in the day and I would have given anything if I had someone who could have helped me. You just don’t know what you don’t know, and not everyone has their heart in the right place. I made mistakes in the process to say the least. When I was telling Rose about my experience, she said I am going to be great because I “get it.” I understand the process, how important it is and the impact, both positive and negative, it has on everyone involved.

What business advice would you give your younger self just starting out?  Never take “no” for an answer; use that as ammunition to prove you can.   

What do you like to do in your free time?  I like to ride the bike trails here in St. Augustine (I’m not a speed racer; I’m a tourist on a bike). I enjoy a good murder-mystery, but just about any good book will keep me flipping pages. Also, there’s nothing that feels better than getting my hands dirty in the garden.

Are you a caregiver? Starting September 27, Katie will facilitate a monthly Caregivers Support Group. She invites anyone who is caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Katie said, “We will offer caregivers a safe place to cry, laugh and share their journey, as well as learn and share tips to help deal with different behaviors and support one another. So often caregivers feel isolated and overwhelmed. We want them to understand they’re never alone and the value of taking care of themselves.” The group will meet every fourth Friday of the month at 10:30 a.m. at the Main Library in St. Augustine (1960 N Ponce De Leon Blvd, 32084).

Come meet Katie at the next Davidson Networking Event in World Golf Village! Davidson hosts two local monthly networking events:

• Jax Beach Networking Event– 3rd Wednesday of each month, 6 to 8 p.m. at Southern Swells Brewing Co. (1312 Beach Blvd. in Jacksonville Beach). Learn more here!
• World Golf Village Networking Event– 3rd Wednesday of each month, 6 to 7 p.m. at the Renaissance Resort in The World Golf Village (500 S Legacy Trail in St. Augustine). Learn more here!