We had a profound Continuing Education workshop on March 3, 2026, with Patrick Cassidy, K.C., who shared his 10-year journey of caring for his parents—reminding us that in eldercare, we often must take up “intrusive” but necessary steps of advocacy – like attending medical appointments and managing financial affairs. 

Patrick is a partner in the law firm of Cox & Palmer in Halifax and has specialized in the area of Condominium Law since 1982. He acts for most of the condominium corporations in Nova Scotia, as well as developers of condominium and fractional projects throughout Atlantic Canada. A past chair of CCI National and the CCI–N.S. Chapter, he is a frequent writer for various publications and a lecturer and teacher for several institutions across Canada and the United States.

It was an afternoon of deep vulnerability and practical wisdom for our online and in-person community.

We caught up with Patrick after the workshop, and here’s what he had to say about his experience at AST. 

During the session, there was significant engagement from both our in-person and online participants. Did any of the questions or reactions from the audience give you a new perspective on your own journey? 

Not apart from confirming my view that this dialogue is so important and needs to be held more than it is.

What motivated you to take these very private lessons from your parents’ lives and turn them into a public resource for others navigating the eldercare system?

My shock at having to invent this as I went along with my parents’ care—there seem to be no resources, and everyone is forced to figure this out themselves. Hearing what I went through hopefully will lessen the burden for somebody else.

Having now shared your story in a formal lecture setting, what is the one 'big idea' you hope stayed with the participants long after they left the chapel or logged off Zoom? 

It is okay to talk about this topic, and planning should take place sooner rather than later.

Check out all things Continuing Education here.