Narcissism in the Elderly
An excessive interest in oneself, often accompanied by grandiose views of one's abilities, a lack of empathy for others, and an excessive need for admiration. A persistent pattern of pathological narcissistic traits is diagnosed as narcissistic personality disorder (NPD).
Whether a senior has been clinically diagnosed with NPD or has a lifelong pattern of exhibiting narcissistic traits, family caregivers identify narcissistic tendencies as one of the most challenging issues to cope with when providing care. At their core, narcissistic elders must be the center of attention, often feel slighted or mistreated, and only value others for what they can provide. On top of that, a narcissist's lack of empathy limits their ability to care about the emotional experience of others. When combined with the physical and cognitive declines of aging, the needs of an aging narcissist place a high demand on caregivers with very little understanding or regard for the toll it is taking on the caregiver.
Browse AgingCare's Narcissism Articles as well as Q&A from other caregivers in the Caregiver Forum who are also caring for a narcissistic senior. Find the information, advice and support you need to help you cope with the challenges of caring for a narcissist.
Narcissism Articles
A Guide to Caring for Narcissistic Parents
Narcissists have a limited ability to love other people and value their emotions. Accepting this reality will help you come to terms with your uniquely difficult caregiving role and set boundaries with your narcissistic mother or father.
352 CommentsElderly Temper Tantrums: What's Behind the Outburst?
We tend to think of temper tantrums as only pertaining to small children or teens, but even the elderly act out at times. Learn what's behind these angry outbursts and how to best handle them without losing your own temper.
39 CommentsDetaching With Love: Setting Boundaries With Difficult Elderly Parents
Whether you're providing hands-on care or managing care decisions, setting boundaries with difficult elderly parents enables family caregivers to provide care while safeguarding their own mental health.
179 CommentsCaring for Aging Parents Who Didn’t Care for You
For those who endured abusive and neglectful childhoods, caring for elderly parents can reopen old wounds and cause new trauma. Choosing whether to participate in a parent's care is tough, but you do have options.
137 Comments
Narcissism Questions
Is it wrong to hope someone dies?
759 Answersbichonmomma6 Replied 22 hours agoIs slipping personal hygiene a sign of worsening dementia or depression?
3 Answersagainx100 Answered May 13, 2022Is this normal decline for a dementia patient?
13 AnswersBarbBrooklyn Answered May 4, 2022How do I deal with an extremely critical, narcissistic 90-yr-old mother who expects me to devote my life to her now that I have retired?
25 AnswersGrandma1954 Replied May 2, 2022
Narcissism Discussions
Narcissistic Mother
3 Commentslealonnie1 Commented May 6, 2022My mom has been a miserable, nasty, and hateful person all her life. As a mother she has dominated every aspect of her children's life.
1,301 CommentsFlowerhouse1952 Commented May 2, 2022Doing better with boundaries but not with consequences.
11 CommentsCascia Commented Mar 28, 2022Caregiving for a narcissistic mother. Do we do it out of love or out of years of guilt and programming?
1,517 CommentsAriadnee Commented Jan 30, 2022
Narcissism Related Topics
- Burnout
- Alzheimer's & Dementia
- Care Decisions
- Dementia Behaviors
- Violent Behavior
- Cognitive Decline
- Signs of Dementia
- Caregiving
- New to Caregiving
- Sandwich Generation
- Memory Loss
- Mild Dementia
- Cancer
- Long-distance Caregiving
- Moderate Dementia
- Aging in Place
- Sundowner's Syndrome
- Severe Dementia
- Dementia Wandering
- Early Onset Alzheimer's