I surely hope you reported the theft/loss to the superior and made it a matter of record. Also, call the police and file a loss report. This is important, trust me. I had to help mom with her attendants....

Yes, you need a new PCA. If you have to wait for a new one to be assigned, then tell them to go ahead while you keep this one...but she must clean and work in the same room you are in. It's a hassle, but it will work. Don't allow her to bring anything in (purse etc) and she doesn't take anything out, even trash.

Sorry, I can't figure out, is the pool at your home? Then send her about searching for the missing item. Inform her you've filed a report with the police. I bet she finds it the next week (brings it back???) Have her call the pawn shops for you, giving the description This way she knows you take these things seriously. If you found something where it shouldn't be and she shouldn't have handled it, then cover that in the sit down talk when she returns. You should sit her down and talk for 5 minutes at least each time she comes. Share what you like what she is doing and what needs more attention etc.

It's really tough working with PCAs. I have one myself now, and though she's a gem, I have to still "sit on her" from time to time. And then...some things just are. The closet rail fell the week before when she was here, and I got it back up. Then last week after discussing it with her, she comes out after an hour and said bad news: not only did the shelf fall, but it took the one below it out. Sorry, I tugged on them and nothing pulled from the wall..... she must have leaned and pulled on them for it to fall. I replaced them with cubicle clothes holders

anyway... I rambled. You are the employer ... she's the employee. She will take advantage if you let her. They become lackidaisical (like we do when doing housework?)