Weekly Address: Joe Biden on 'A Weekly Conversation: On the Line' with Susie - April 17, 2021

"Hey Susie, can you hear me? " 1

"Yes, sir. I can hear you. " 2

"How, how did you first get involved in home care? " 3

"Caregiving for me is a calling. I started caring in nursing homes, then transitioned to in-home caregiving. I say to folks, "I'm not giving up on you. I'm here for the long haul. I'll be here for you when you're sick." When the pandemic hit, my hours were cut. So was my pay. Caregivers do not have the luxury or privilege of working remotely." 4

"I feel people undervalue caregivers in our society. That's why I'm glad President Biden is talking about caregiving and talking about caregivers like me. " 5

"Well, you know, Susie, I kinda understand that. My mom got sick. We got hospice and help but what it made me realize was how about those people who don't have family. What are the biggest problems you face? " 6

"Caregiving is a 24/7 job. You have to work holidays. You have to work weekends. You have to work Mother's Day, Father's Day, it takes a lot out of you and I think so many folks work so many hours is because they're not getting the pay they deserve. We need to get people to want to do this kind of work and by them ha -- not having any benefits, who wants to do a job like that?" 7

"The pay, the medical, um, sick leave, we need to take care of ourselves 'cause as caregivers we tend to neglect ourselves because we're doing so much care, 'cause we're caring for others. " 8

"That's why we're going to make sure that in this caregiver legislation I have, you'll be in a position to get wages and benefits for the job you do. I appreciate what you've done. People like you should be rewarded adequately for what you do. You're an essential part of whether or not people can live full lives." 9

"So, thank you so much. Stay healthy. " 10

"It's an honor, sir. It was an honor. " 11

"I wish I could see you in person, give you a hug, and tell your wife I said hello. I hope I'm not slowing up dinner. " 12

"[Laughs] It was an honor, sir. " 13