I transfer Mom from bed to wheelchair several times a day and have for two years. My back and legs hurt now so I can barely walk. The physical pain is it taking over my life, but you don't mention the physical pain. Do you have any information on the problem of pain? I have no family to help and only 6 hours of personal care with the county. Thanks, Rachel
1. Get a hoist. From the county if at all possible (I don't know what they are expected to provide) There are hoists which can be used by a single person. They may take more time, but according to some people they work.
2. Go on a manual handling course. If you haven't already. Good ideas and strategies.
3. Consider using the person's clothing to move them rather than holding on to the person (maybe not official advice, but it helps my mother)
4. Make sure that the person is in a helpful as possible mood/ability stage when you try and move them. Otherwise, you have an uphill struggle. If your mother does vary in her ability to help, explain that you may have to leave her for half an hour or so until she can help. It will do neither of you any good if you wreck yourself.
5. Use pads for a cut-off point in the evening if many of the moves are because of the commode. Exaplain that after 8 pm, say, she will have to use her pad as your back needs to rest (see above).
They may also tell you to make sure to start the day with gentle stretches/gentle yoga (very helpful, stops the muscles knotting and causing more problems)
Otherwise, very best wishes and hope you can find a way round this. I am sure there will be more helpful suggestions.
Is there a local class maybe? Or even find a good CD or book. It can really help.