Non-lethal firearm substitutes for a single, elderly woman in suburbia.

My mom had spoken to me about wanting to purchase a firearm recently. I talked her out of it but I had been mulling it over. I get why she wants one. Shes alone and increasingly less-able to defend herself (although generally pretty fit). I know It Could Happen Here had some episodes about firearms but I’m wondering if any of you had suggestions for non-lethals. She hasn’t shot a gun since she was maybe 12 (her family had a farm). I’m worried about 1) her shooting herself in the chaos of a real intruder, if she ever had one, and 2) her having to fight a legal battle if she killed someone, even on her property, in California.

I had suggested a beanbag gun or similar rifle-style non-lethal weapon. I also understand her hesitation to use a baseball bat or knife because entail close-quarters combat.

Thanks all.