Hi all. I want to book a return flight from London to Sydney with my elderly parents (going out in January), with them (but not necessarily me) flying both ways in Raffles. I'm wondering whether my Krisflyer points can help me at all here. I don't think I'll have enough (or even 70%) for a straight-forward business class award ticket and I wouldn't want the uncertainties associated with last-minute waitlisted upgrades.

They will be returning together, but I will be returning on another date.
Can the companion award help me here? If my mother-in-law becomes a Krisflyer member, can I pay for her business class ticket and gift the points necessary for 'her' purchase of a companion award? Or not?

I'd also consider using other airlines if they had a good companion or maybe senior fare, but with two elderly nervous travellers I'd rather stick with Singapore via Changi as I know exactly how that would be for them.
Any advice very welcome... even if it's just 'start saving'!