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.
40 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.
183 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.
139 Comments
Narcissism Questions
Is it wrong to hope someone dies?
923 AnswersLauraL271 Replied Mar 30, 2024Tips on narcissistic dementia husband?
14 AnswersScampie1 Answered Mar 20, 2024Does narcissism run in families? I feel like God messed up, gave me all the empathy in my family, and the rest all the apathy.
19 AnswersAnxietynacy Answered Mar 19, 2024Should the rich husband responsible for caring for his wife in Texas?
9 Answersigloo572 Replied Mar 16, 2024
Narcissism Discussions
My 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.
1,387 CommentsCaregiverL Commented Mar 11, 2024FIL passed away just before christmas. Grieving a narcissist.
18 Commentsblickbob Commented Jan 18, 2024Dear Abby today Sept 12-Narcissism
2 Commentsoverwhelmed21 Commented Sep 2023Sanity check, have a lot of anger towards emotionally unavailable, narcissistic mother. Any advice?
10 Commentsmichelle7728 Commented Apr 2023
Narcissism Related Topics
- Burnout
- Alzheimer's & Dementia
- Care Decisions
- Dementia Behaviors
- Violent Behavior
- Cognitive Decline
- Signs of Dementia
- Long-distance Caregiving
- New to Caregiving
- Caregiving
- Memory Loss
- Mild Dementia
- Cancer
- Sundowner's Syndrome
- Lewy Body Dementia
- Moderate Dementia
- Aging in Place
- Early Onset Alzheimer's
- Severe Dementia
- Dementia Wandering