₦airaland Forum

ndidibabe:
My mum will be visiting me in Canada for the first time by January and she is 69 years old. She will also be going to UK to see my younger ones.

I need advice on the basic necessities that will make her stay worthwhile. I do not want to a miss thing paticularly as regards keeping her healthy.

Any suggestions on where to get her suitable clothing in Nigeria for that age travelling to a cold region for the first time? Guys, I need your kind suggestions.

Abort that idea.

Let her come during the Summer.

Even if it's for just one week.

So that she can enjoy the beautiful serene outdoor weather of Canada.

Winter is a No...No in my own opinion.

What's the point of bringing someone all the way from Nigeria to Canada to stay indoors throughout due to cold weather wearing sweaters.

Most Canadians even fall home sick sitting all day at home because they can't go out due to cold and ice weather.

Let alone a new comer.

Hmmm...

Ensure you obtain health insurance for her.
Get health insurance
I repeat, get health insurance that would cover the period of her stay.

Not also a good time to visit Canada. It's the winter season and she might not enjoy it.

The best to visit Canada is between May and September.

But una no go still hear

Where is your dad?

😡

ejimatic:
. Must you publicise this on Nairaland? Why don't take your father with her to Canada? Is he late?

Publicise? On a faceless forum where everybody seek and get information? You sound very foolish to me..

Princeton92:
Abeg I wan enter that Canada ooh… I have my passport and I wrote IELTS March but scored 6.5 and I’m writing again this weekend I hope and pray for the best result.
But I need assistance from there, is there a lady you know that needs a lifetime partner (I love truly sha) OR any other way to get in there? Helep a brother mbok cause I tire for my country sha

Nawa o...see format.

Love truly murder you dia

MT:
Forget about the advice.

The message you wanted to pass to the world, who doesn’t give a flying F about you is that your mum would be travelling to Canada and UK.

So, at your age, you need NL members, who mostly haven't been to Canada , to suggest to you what you need to buy for your mum, in a place you claim to live?

Nigerians are simply too loud!

We have heard. Are you happy now? Next please

It is beyond your understanding. This isn't facebook or its like where you brag. No one knows me here and it's not unusual to get firsthand information from people here considering that majority of users are oversea where internet and electricity are not luxuries. By the way, the question is very likely not for your type but people who reside in cold regions who have invited their aged parents over.

Justiceleague1:
Make sure you get good cardigans and thick socks and head warmers first...

Anyone in Lagos that can supply this + winter jacket?

Kenn55:
I forgot to add, buy her travel insurance to cover her stay even if it is for one week.

Years ago, my healthy mother inlaw who came visiting had a health issue during her stay. One night around 1am she managed to call my wife, when we saw that unusual call, we rushed to her room only to find her collapsing. For the first time I called 911, they came under 4 minutes with their equipment, stabilized her and rushed her to emergency where she was diagnosed and treated. This all happened between 1am and 2am.She spent a week in hospital before she was discharged

The medical bill was more than $20k and insurance paid everything. That's how I would have coughed out more than $20k just like that.

Please don't forget insurance even if it is 1 day visit.

This your post reminds me of this one you made a long time ago. Insurance is very important. I can understand why those in the developed world don't have much savings.

Kenn55:
All the western world countries are almost the same except for little variations here and there.

They are all credit societies where large chunk of their economy is driven by consumer spending.

However you have the choice to stay out of loans. For example, If you don't have money to go to school, then you don't have to study courses that would keep you heavily indebted since you will be taking loan to study. You can study in demand courses in colleges with grant rather than go to a high ranking university to study with loans. You can decide to drive a 15 year old car and pay for it in cash rather than going for a brand new or fairly new car with loan.

You can even keep renting instead of buying a house on mortgage if you hate loans so much but that doesn't make sense since houses are assets and not liabilities. Even though you owe money on a house, you can sell it and make profit when the time is right.

Note that an average oyibo doesn't care much about debt the way we do cos that is how they live from beginning and it's part of their lifestyle as built by their system.

You talked about savings but note that these western countries are not built for savings but spending. Like I said before, it is the bedrock of their economy. Besides, the structure of their society coupled with fairly good governance makes savings not to be a big deal.

Why do people need savings? In case of emergency. What are the do or die emergencies? Loss of job, health, accidents, loss of shelter,life etc. The oyibo model is insure instead of savings. This is why insurance is one of the biggest industries in North America.

In this place, your insurance is your savings while in places like Nigeria, your savings is your insurance because of the model our society is run. You see the difference.

Why would an average oyibo be bothered much about savings when he has insured against all possible emergencies? Life, employment, health,home,car,accident and even pet sef dey get insurance. These insurance coverages cost money but because of their mentality, they embrace it but majority of us Africans will see it as a waste and instead save those money in the bank and that would form part of our "savings".

So when you read an average oyibo have little or no savings, that is the truth but it doesn't tell the full story.

You asked a valid question but you need to understand how the society is built in order to properly navigate it. The choice to embrace the oyibo model or our Nigerian model or a little mixture of both is left for you.

MT:
Forget about the advice.

The message you wanted to pass to the world, who doesn’t give a flying F about you is that your mum would be travelling to Canada and UK.

So, at your age, you need NL members, who mostly haven't been to Canada , to suggest to you what you need to buy for your mum, in a place you claim to live?

Nigerians are simply too loud!

We have heard. Are you happy now? Next please

Oga,

This is Nairaland - Nigeria's most visited forum - where issues from a Nigerian perspective can be analysed. Where else would she have gotten different and detailed responses/experiences for an aged parent visiting a child for the first time in the abroad? It is even surprising this comment comes from someone who has lived abroad and is cock-proud of the passports he possesses.

Nigeria's elite class are something else! I am sure you lots are so annoyed that the abroad phenomenon has been demystified to the ordinary Nigerian.

Gerrard59:
Oga,

This is Nairaland - Nigeria's most visited forum - where issues from a Nigerian perspective can be analysed. Where else would she have gotten different and detailed responses/experiences for an aged parent visiting a child for the first time in the abroad? It is even surprising this comment comes from someone who has lived abroad and is cock-proud of the passports he possesses.

Nigeria's elite class are something else! I am sure you lots are so annoyed that the abroad phenomenon has been demystified to the ordinary Nigerian.

Thanks you so much, sir.

The way my people will visit me soon Insha Allah.

Publish it because your mama was the first to tour around the world yeye news

ndidibabe:
My mum will be visiting me in Canada for the first time by January and she is 69 years old. She will also be going to UK to see my younger ones.

I need advice on the basic necessities that will make her stay worthwhile. I do not want to a miss thing paticularly as regards keeping her healthy.

Any suggestions on where to get her suitable clothing in Nigeria for that age travelling to a cold region for the first time? Guys, I need your kind suggestions.

don't forget the travel health insurance...very important because if she needs any medical attention while in Canada and you don't have the travel health insurance, you will have to pay out of pocket and it is not cheap at all.

ndidibabe:
My mum will be visiting me in Canada for the first time by January and she is 69 years old. She will also be going to UK to see my younger ones.

I need advice on the basic necessities that will make her stay worthwhile. I do not want to a miss thing paticularly as regards keeping her healthy.

Any suggestions on where to get her suitable clothing in Nigeria for that age travelling to a cold region for the first time? Guys, I need your kind suggestions.

all the people whose parents have travelled from Nigeria abroad, did they come to nairaland to seek advice?

Gerrard59:
Oga,

This is Nairaland - Nigeria's most visited forum - where issues from a Nigerian perspective can be analysed. Where else would she have gotten different and detailed responses/experiences for an aged parent visiting a child for the first time in the abroad? It is even surprising this comment comes from someone who has lived abroad and is cock-proud of the passports he possesses.

Nigeria's elite class are something else! I am sure you lots are so annoyed that the abroad phenomenon has been demystified to the ordinary Nigerian.

is that how people whose parents previously travelled abroad come to nairaland to ask how they should take care of their parents while abroad?

lexy2014:
all the people whose parents have travelled from Nigeria abroad, did they come to nairaland to seek advice?

You can start looking for them and ask them.

ndidibabe:
You can start looking for them and ask them.

did you look for them and you asked before you opened the thread?

Originalsly:
Why would you ...and your younger ones invite your mother during winter? You know it is blistering cold in January... why torture her? Young healthy people travelling for the first time be crying about how cold it is....during late Spring ... and here you are bringing her to spend the middle of winter. Whatever she did to you and your younger ones ... instead of getting back at her ... forgive her. On clothing ...why can't you send her clothing? ...at least you can get her the right outfits and the right sizes. Is she travelling alone?...what if air pressure gets to her and her ears begin to "ring"? ....long distance air travel no be bus ride. My advice ... postpone her flight to July or August when the weather is much more like what she is used to ... she can move about comfortably and not be locked in during her stay

As if he is the head of immigration that issued the visa. The best you could have said was to cover her up very well and always use thick hand gloves including face mask not nose mask,that way she can actually cope with the weather

luminouz:
Nawa o...see format.
Love truly murder you dia

🥹I lie not sha

Gerrard59:
This your post reminds me of this one you made a long time ago. Insurance is very important. I can understand why those in the developed world don't have much savings.

My brother, I don't joke with insurance oooo.

My first encounter with insurance that made me embrace the value happened in my first apartment I rented when I was new in canada.

When renting that apartment, the landlord advised we should get a tenant insurance. It wasn't compulsory but advised. I called some of our naija guys who have been in the country to know if I should get it, some didn't even know there was something like that, some said I shouldn't be wasting money on those nonsense, they have been living without it. However, when I checked the amount $24 a month, I felt since the cost isn't big, let me get it. So I started paying $24 per month for the tenant insurance.

Fast forward 11 months later, one morning around 4am, I heard someone knocking on our apartment door, I peeped through the door hole and saw a cop knocking . Haba! Cop knocking my door at 4am? Wetin I do? . I opened the door, the cop asked if our apartment is flooded, I said no. He said 2 apartments in the building is flooded during the midnight rain as a result of a partial roof collapse. Even though it affected only 2 apartments, the whole building has been declared unsafe and unfit for living and must be evacuated immediately. He said we should take our clothes and important items and leave the building.

He asked if we had where we can stay, I said no. He said we should call red cross and make arrangement on a temporary accommodation with them. Me, Red Cross? Na so we turn refugee? .

I had another option and that's to go to my brother's house who lives 8 minutes drive away but that would be inconveniencing to me and him cos it's my whole family and I hate inconveniencing people. But instead of Red Cross, I called him and he was okay about it.

So as we were moving out, I heard someone making a call and called tenant insurance. Immediately I heard that word, I remembered I was paying $24 every month on that. I Immediately looked for their number and called them. They made their verifications to confirm our claim and then checked us into one sweet hotel.

They paid for all our expenses in the hotel including food. In fact, because my children school from the hotel became far, they calculated the extra cost of taking them to school and paid me. We were in the hotel for one week but we were not enjoying it cos our food was limited to hotel food which is not interesting as naija people wey we be .
Someone suggested we tell them to get us Airbnb, we did and they put us in an Airbnb where we now had the opportunity to cook. We were in Airbnb for another 4 weeks before they told us to move back to our apartment as the building has been repaired.

So we spent a total of 5 weeks away from our apartment and we didn't spend 1 kobo of our own money and we didn't inconvenience anyone with our wahala.
Since then, I embraced insurance fully. I and my family are insured all round. I rather have insurance than having savings. Savings becomes useless when your problem is bigger than your savings

Make sure you buy travel health insurance

Please propose the trip till summer, the weather is not friendly today is -6 in Toronto. She is not going to have any fun. Tell her to come during summer so that you can take her outside to Niagara Falls and canada wonderland and so many places.

ndidibabe:
My mum will be visiting me in Canada for the first time by January and she is 69 years old. She will also be going to UK to see my younger ones.

I need advice on the basic necessities that will make her stay worthwhile. I do not want to a miss thing paticularly as regards keeping her healthy.

Any suggestions on where to get her suitable clothing in Nigeria for that age travelling to a cold region for the first time? Guys, I need your kind suggestions.

As it isn't summer, cos of her age, keep her warm at all times. Warm water drinking, no oyinbo food, no sugar. Your radiator or heating system should be on...not a time to save money.

10thTenthMan:
The concern of people about the season for this journey is justified. Winter limits movement, make pains like rheumatism and arthritis worse and the cold leads to other health vulnerabilities. So do not mind the method they have communicated this but their concerns ARE VERY VALID.

So what are the factors to consider

1. Weather: Get her a good jacket, neck warmer, winter hat, and shoes, she can arrive with, From Tejuosho/Yaba markets if she is in Lagos if she is not, then get her something very good from a close by market. Please DO NOT LOOK FOR SOMETHING FASHIONABLE. LOOK FOR SOMETHING PRACTICAL . You are in Canada. I am too. If you haven’t experienced the cold, you won’t know. No matter how it is explained, you won’t understand until your ears, eye, nostrils, fingers, toenails freeze and suffer frost bites.
Be prepared to get her something better in Canada when she lands in Canada. I stay in the Prairies. No cloth sold in Nigeria can match -45 degrees Celsius. You would have to use multiple layers.

2. Food: please do not fill her bags with only what you miss in Nigeria. Let her bring things she will eat. They are healthier. Plant based. Unprocessed. The spices and seasonings she is used to. I am not saying she shouldn’t bring stuff for you but let her bring things for herself too. If she has spices and other natural herbs she takes, let her pack them too. Prioritize her comfort and wellbeing over the spices and things you miss in Nigeria.

3. Bills: Be realistic and ready to know that cost might go up. Of course this isn’t an issue I hope. It is hoped you have planned for her to come. Know that you might run your heaters, water, etc more hence expect some 100-200 CAD Spike in total bills.

4. Checks, Confirmation and Enlightenment: Inform her about the way of life of Canadians or any other important information around where you reside. Luckily, Canadians are a bit more laidback. Brief her if she is traveling to Canada for the first time. Go through all the essentials and let those helping her prep ensure she has everything she needs. Inform her about keeping her passport and travel documents and cash in the same purse/bag/ and keep those close to her and secure. Brief her about avoiding making quick “ stranger friends” at the airport. She should not accept anything or leave her bag with anyone, etc. etc.

5. Health. Let her visit a doctor in Nigeria. A quick medical check. Then like someone mentioned she should treat Malaria and Typhoid. ALSO IF SHE IS ON MEDICATION, please let her BUY AS MUCH AS WILL LAST HER OVERSEAS. Remember that the Canadian Healthcare system is SHIT! They have the equipment and tech, but their administration and availability are limited. If there are things like BP machines she uses, let her pack those too. They are portable. Get her good supplements when she arrives. Vitamin D, and others for bones and general health. I have seen and know of cases of aged folks in Nigeria who got a lot of relief and health benefits due to the health supplements they take from overseas.

6. Essentials: Please let her bring her creams and moisturizer, lip balm, etc. A lot of people bring Shea butter. But this has a high freezing point hence does not do much good when you go out. I bought and mixed Castor Oil and Flaxseed Oil. Then I mixed them with some glycerin, and a 2k perfume oil I bought in Nigeria for fragrance. This is what I use. Why do I use this mixture. I realize with freezing point of about -17 to - 20 degrees Celsius, these oils stay on my skin under the cold. Sunflower oil also has freezing temperatures of -17 degrees Celsius. Yeah, don’t mind me, I had to ''science'' the hell out of the issue of making my own appropriate homemade body oil which I used as cream/lotion. The beauty of science. Note I avoided almond oil because of its strong smell but it has a -18 freezing point hence should have been a good oil to rub as well. Other local creams freeze under the harsh Canadian Weather.

7. Fun: Winter is “too somehow” or “one kind” as we say in Nigeria. The walks we see in Summer and the Grandparents taking kids to join the bus in summer mornings will not be so easy. Of course, if the cold isn’t so bad where she is, she can perform these duties that they so love doing for their grandkids if any. Some things to do include:

-Walk children to the bus
-Walk kids back from the bus
-Mind the Children and baby sit
-Go out and visit close friends and family members
-Attend Church programs, outreaches, and simple volunteering.
-Visit downtown and major malls
-Evening neighborhood walks if the weather permits and conditions are not slippery. (AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE AVOID THE DANGEROUS SLIPS AND FALLS !!!!!!!! It is usually bad for aged people)
-Visit Nigerian Restaurant like Global Pot, etc. if in the Prairies.
-Visit Canadian Cafes and Restaurants
-Take Winter Photographs and Videos
-Take the kids sledding with their Toboggans if you have kids and they have toboggans.
-Visit farmers or flea markets if any in your area.

If you have other things, you have thought of for fun, you can add them to the list so other people who have parents and parent-in-laws coming can also get ideas.

Sensible

Originalsly:
Why would you ...and your younger ones invite your mother during winter? You know it is blistering cold in January... why torture her? Young healthy people travelling for the first time be crying about how cold it is....during late Spring ... and here you are bringing her to spend the middle of winter. Whatever she did to you and your younger ones ... instead of getting back at her ... forgive her. On clothing ...why can't you send her clothing? ...at least you can get her the right outfits and the right sizes. Is she travelling alone?...what if air pressure gets to her and her ears begin to "ring"? ....long distance air travel no be bus ride. My advice ... postpone her flight to July or August when the weather is much more like what she is used to ... she can move about comfortably and not be locked in during her stay

Cost of flight cheaper plus holiday season when kids are out of school . It’s not that cold unless there is a cold freeze.

rickleye:
Cost of flight cheaper plus holiday season when kids are out of school . It’s not that cold unless there is a cold freeze.

I totally agree with the cheap price of ticket .... guess that's when she will travel ... doesn't matter if it's winter or summer! Children will be in school in January...why will they not be? January is not that cold? ... and for her? ...who been living for decades under Nigeria scorching sun? You not serious

NiceLegs:
Abort that idea.

Let her come during the Summer.

Even if it's for just one week.

So that she can enjoy the beautiful serene outdoor weather of Canada.

Winter is a No...No in my own opinion.

What's the point of bringing someone all the way from Nigeria to Canada to stay indoors throughout due to cold weather wearing sweaters.

Most Canadians even fall home sick sitting all day at home because they can't go out due to cold and ice weather

Let alone a new comer.

Hmmm
...

you obviously have never been to Canada before , people go out during winter.

Originalsly:
Why would you ...and your younger ones invite your mother during winter? You know it is blistering cold in January... why torture her? Young healthy people travelling for the first time be crying about how cold it is....during late Spring ... and here you are bringing her to spend the middle of winter. Whatever she did to you and your younger ones ... instead of getting back at her ... forgive her. On clothing ...why can't you send her clothing? ...at least you can get her the right outfits and the right sizes. Is she travelling alone?...what if air pressure gets to her and her ears begin to "ring"? ....long distance air travel no be bus ride. My advice ... postpone her flight to July or August when the weather is much more like what she is used to ... she can move about comfortably and not be locked in during her stay

I agree 100%.
Winter is the most punishing of the 4 seasons especially for an aged person coming from a tropical climate.

ednut1:
a 69years old woman who probably has health issues and has not acclimatized to the weather should go on Hike U are a wicked person

i was of the same opinion but drom another perspective, it's good for cardio and wearing of the cold

Originalsly:
I totally agree with the cheap price of ticket .... guess that's when she will travel ... doesn't matter if it's winter or summer! Children will be in school in January...why will they not be? January is not that cold? ... and for her? ...who been living for decades under Nigeria scorching sun? You not serious

So you are telling me that you have an opportunity to travel out of the country for the first time and you’d say no.? that It’s cold or hot ? Most people would say when and where . School is out for 2 -4 weeks as from December 20 and resumes 1 or 2 week in January. That way she gets to enjoy the Christmas season with the kids cause when that time strikes January 3rd the party is over and it’s back to work for the parents.
It depends on where you live ogbeni. She can layer up that she would be sweating under with thermal layers and sweaters and heated vehicle if she needs to go out . It’s not that she is taking a walk or shovelling snow. There are also some Indian winter where for a few days it’s -2 not frigid weather. She like everyone will adapt plus she is only staying a few weeks and then off to London as per OP.

ednut1:
you obviously have never been to Canada before , people go out during winter.

"People" and a "69yr old first time Canada visiting Nigerian woman" are not the same.

NiceLegs:
"People" and a "69yr old first time Canada visiting Nigerian woman" are not the same.

you said people don’t go out during winter 🤭