I would go a slightly bigger gun than the airweights, like a Model 60 or an older Model 66. The added weight will make the recoil far softer for an older person. My daughter and wife love shooting my 66. You can get them in 2" barrels if you choose.
A trigger job will make them far easier to shoot in double action.
I got the S&W .38 Bodyguard for my wife. She is not experienced at all shooting and the factory installed laser helps her. It's hammer less so the trigger pull is somewhat stiff but not unmanageable for her. The Bodyguard weighs more than one of S&W's air weights and I feel that it's easier to control. Also the grip is longer than the LCR and this aids in control as well. All in all the Bodyguard is a decent piece for the price. I've recently seen them for $369 at a local shop.
My MIL is a gun hater - so I'm safe on that count. Wife just decided on the S&W bodyguard, it's a nice piece.. Personally I would get the trigger worked on , but she likes it as it! Happy wife - Happy Life!
I looked at a Taurus ultralight with the shrouded hammer and a Ruger LCR today. The Taurus cylinder didn't lock very tight and had a little bit of rotation. The LCR was even worse. The nose of the cylinder would wobble side to side. The Smith air weight she shot felt much tighter. I think I'm going to try to locate a Smith 638 and see how it feels.
I like my Taurus 85 but what ever you choose I would make sure it is +P rated so she can step up the performance if desired with out going to a .357 mag. I'm not sure the Charter is +P rated.
You might also look at the Ruger SP101 .38 spl.
I own a Charter Arms revolver. They are not as refined and pretty as a Smith & Wesson. But it always works. In my opinion, they are a good revolver for the money.
Smith & Wesson is the best in most peoples opinion. They have a hundred and sixty years of experience building firearms. But if you buy new, they will be out of your price range. You might find something used in that price range. An option would be a 638 revolver with a shrouded hammer. But that would probably take some time to find used and in your price range.