Automatic mixers?

I have medical issures also. I use a bread machine to mix my dough about 80% of the time.  Everyone I've used did a great job.  Even for sourdough.  Machine I'm using now takes about 30 min. to mix and 70 min. to rest, then a knock down at the last. And I let mine rest 20 min. more to relax. Then I stretch and fold and shape. After shaping let stay/prove overnight in the refrigerator for more sourness.

Hoecake

Yes bread makers will work for dough mixing. 

As an expansion I have done a bit of research on zojirushi bread machines that have sourdough settings that run over 24 hours. I have not ever seen one in the flesh or spoken to anyone who has used one but I think it is a very good idea.

Hi redrich,

Any sort of a kitchen mixer with a dough hook or similar fitting could be used.  It strikes me as a bit of over-kill to buy a bread-maker just for the mixing capability.

Farinam

I bought a zojirushi bread machine at a garage sale a year or 2 ago.  It is an excelent machine.  I have bought 5 or 6 other bread machines at salvation army stores over the past 10 years or so.  I can't resist how inexpensive they are, usually around $10 or $15 (I have given a couple as gifts to my Mom, and a friend).  The Zojirushi is the best I have had.  I would hold out till you find a great deal on a Zojirushi.  I think the second best one I have had is a Toast Master.

I think a bread maker is a good option, even if you only use it to knead dough.  I suggest you look for one that allows you to program your own timeing for the dough.  My zojirushi bread machine does.

Good Luck