At 94, she was ready to die by fasting. Her daughter filmed it.

[Perseus]

8. He may have failed to explain to them, to have a frank conversation

And being open minded on the side of the family is important. The fact that they feel it was about them shows they were not very open minded.

There is a good book out there titled "The Four Agreements", the Four Agreements are: Be impeccable with your word. Don't take anything personally. Don't make assumptions and Always do your best.

I highlighted "Don't take anything personally." because that is the problem, we always think its personal, and in the case you talk about, they thought it had to do more with them than with himself.

I would think that if as a family they discuss the situation to make it clear to everyone why he/she is doing it that there should be no resentments.