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Originally Posted by (JD)
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?) |
She does not have a superior, she is self employed not agency staff. the pool is the local public swimming pool, i had her call them to check lost property and checked her car myself as that is how we travelled to and from the pool, I had words with her about asking me before binning things especially letters as some are important ones. Unfortunately i need her to put the rubbish out as I am unable to do this myself, I explained to her that when in my home or working for me she needs to respect me and my things no matter what they are, and about this being a responsible job not a bit of fun.
I always thank / praise my PAs good works, and aswell as constant chat i have regular sit down chat time most mornings where we discuss things i wish doing and things i requested which were not done or not to my standards. I have just designed a PA diary which will be used by us to evidence what i request and expect, and what my PA has actually done each day, it will serve as evidence to the council how i am spending my Direct payment money too.
I think she realises she has not been treating this as a job of responsibility because she was much more serious today, she really looked upset about loosing my locket when the pool said it had not been handed in.
I am still looking for a new PA though, because regardless of her doings or regret, i need a driver and someone i can trust to be responsible.
I know exactly what you mean about the closet rail / shelves, PAs always seem to think you will not notice or find out when they break things, I do not know why that is but it is a very common trait in PAs. I always make a big thing of the fact that although i may get upset when things get broken I prefer that to finding out later myself as nothing upsets me more than realising i can not trust my PAs. in fact it is in the contract i drew up and is a warnable offence to not disclose a breakage to me.