Work Dillema?

You should definitely talk to your boss, or the agency asap.

Also start keeping a diary of all the times that you have been asked to fill in. Then if your co-worker says that you are making a big deal out of nothing, you can back-up your own side.

Just remember that this matter has nothing or very little to do with the disabled woman, so try to keep her out of it.

You said: yet she can never fill in for me and that's OK. No, it isn't OK. Because you then say, I feel so damn shafted about this. See, it isn't OK with you at all. It isn't your responsibility to fill in for someone who leaves you to make up for her even if you are being paid. Talk to whoever hired you and work this out or try to work with another disabled person. I can assure you that this type of help is hard to find and it is hard to keep this type of help. Your employer should be the one to find a sub.

If you are stuck, really like this job, you may just have to take it. Complaining might get you fired. So, either stop complaining or do something about it. You'll get an ulcer if you let this continue to eat at you.

I have a friend who need this kind of help and praise you to the skies for doing it.

You do have a lot of responsibility, a PCA is generally a thankless job. Unfortunately that is the business, reliable people are relied upon and vice versa. My suggestion to you is to go to school, get your LPN or Rn and make 3-5 times more money and still do the same line of work, you will also have more freedom.

Does your employer have a written vacation/sick time policy? A good place to look would be your employee handbook, if one was provided when you were hired.

It is not acceptable for on co-worker to take advantage of another in the manner you describe. If I were you, I would explain to your co-worker that the present situation is not working for you and that the two of you need to devise a more equitable solution for time off. Of course, your co-worker may not be too receptive to this, so you should be prepared to bring your complaint(s) to management if it comes to that. It would be helpful if you had specific information (dates, etc.) when you bring this to management's attention.

Talk to the agency that sent you out. Tell them you're not very happy with your partner's schedule and see if you can be assigned more or less hours, or at least stable hours because her lack of attendance is screwing up your life.

Get a new job.