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There are some techniques out there to help. Should be some videos on YouTube for this exact scenario. An alternative that y'all may consider is a revolver. Revolvers can be much easier for people who cannot rack the slide on heir firearms

You might want to look into Springfield's new XD-E. One of the big selling points is that the slide is significantly easier to rack than that of it's competitors.

Charles -- have you let her try a small revolver? Maybe a Ruger LCR, Smith 442, or something similar? Might well be worth checking out, and recoil isn't really too bad with a .38 (not +P) load. Good luck.

My advice may sound crazy to some of you because its for conceal carry purpose and, many of you do not trust this brand of gun, but I highly recommend the JA.380. The Jimenez has a super easy slide to rack, at least in .380, I haven't tried any other Jimenez. Now like all guns, range test it before trusting it to carry daily. But the slide is like glass on ice, so smooth and easy. I currently own a Ruger LCP380, and a Taurus 709 9mm too, and the Jimenez is way easier then these or anything else I've ever handled. I've owned 2 JA.380s, I liked them both a lot.

I put slide extender back plate on my wife's G42. She now has a grip to pull the slide with.

S&w M43C. ,22lr. Best for any lady especially one with arthritis.

I would agree with Richard, the Ruger LCR is a great gun..

The sig p290rs in 380 caliber can be racked with 1 finger on the rear sight. It has a over sized slide lock lever which really helps. There is a video on sig site showing a women racking with one finger.

Bought my wife a Walther PK380. Very easy racking slide and almost no recoil. Added the Walther laser made for it, and she's a dead shot with it.

Go with a revolver like a Lady Smith, or if you are dead set on a pistol, maybe the CCP from Walther. If you are looking to keep commonality of ammo with 9mm, look at the Ruger LCR (moon clips and maybe snappy) or a Charter Arms Pitbull (no moon clips).