You don't have to have any status with an airline for them to help an elderly or infirm person. just request a "Meet & Greet" service along with a wheelchair and they will be well looked after.

I have requested this service for my parents (my father has difficulty walking) on any number of airlines (even the budget ones) and they have been delighted with the service they have recieved.

At Heathrow they were met at the door of the plane and wheeled through customs, and baggage claim and taken all the way to the car park where they had left their car.

Stewart.