to main content The Care Badge for Unpaid Caregivers | The Joint Commission

In the United States, more than 40% of adults are serving as unpaid caregivers.1 They do what’s needed to help family, friends or others in their life manage their health in many ways, from providing personal care to transporting them to medical appointments and so much more. In doing so, caregivers learn valuable skills that should be recognized.

1 Mental Health Among Parents of Children Aged <18 Years and Unpaid Caregivers of Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic – United States, December 2020 and February–March 2021. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021;70: 879-887.

Supporting the Care Badge Effort

The mission of The Joint Commission is to continuously improve healthcare for the public. Fulfilling this mission depends on healthcare workers and those who deliver care in every setting. Unpaid caregivers are a group of unsung heroes who often fill the gaps in patient care. From providing personal care to navigating complex medical appointments, unpaid caregivers are an essential part of the “care economy.”

The Care Badge not only helps caregivers realize their value but also recognizes their vital contributions. The Care Badge is a visual mark of the caregiving experience. Behind the badge is a program designed to connect caregivers with resources and opportunities to highlight and leverage the skills they’ve acquired.

Getting the badge is simple and only takes about four minutes. Simply watch two short videos on caregiver tips and resources. Utilizing the tips and resources are a priceless way for unpaid caregivers to take better care of themselves and further help the people they care for.

Get the Care Badge

Collaborating for the Greater Good

The Joint Commission and ARCHANGELS have collaborated on the Care Badge to not only help recognize the work unpaid caregivers do but also to help them utilize those skills to further help others and themselves.

The badge is a way to leverage the skills learned at work, school and in communities. Employers look to both hire and retain skilled employees. Visually displaying the Care Badge on resumes as part of work history and skills, on social media, and anywhere that can be seen is a way to have these skills acknowledged and may lead to opening doors to new opportunities.

Maintaining the ability to help others is key for unpaid caregivers so accessing resources to help caregivers help themselves cope with the added responsibilities of caring for others is critically important.

ARCHANGELS is a national movement focused on reframing how caregivers are seen, honored, and supported using a combination of data and stories, through public and private partnerships.

ARCHANGELS provides communities with data-driven information and resources that help change caregiver’s lives for the better.

Resources are available for caregivers not only in how to help articulate and highlight the skills acquired but also where and how to showcase the skills they've developed by caring for others. An important part of ARCHANGELS is the information available by state to help caregivers narrow down resources and support in their area.

Learn more about ARCHANGELS

A Certain Kind of Intensity

ARCHANGELS’ Caregiver Intensity Index®, provides each caregiver with a ‘score’ and a tailored list of what’s most driving their intensity, as well as access to supportive resources available at no cost. It is designed for all caregivers — even those who do not see themselves in the role.

Learn your Caregiver Intensity Score

Speak Up for Unpaid Caregivers

Along with getting the Care Badge if you’re an unpaid caregiver, you can spread the word to people you know who are doing the same — helping care for others. If you’re an employer, you can honor and support the unpaid caregivers in your organization by recognizing their skills and utilizing them to their full capacity.

Speak Up™ For Unpaid Caregivers, a patient safety campaign from The Joint Commission, helps patients and their advocates learn about the critical value of unpaid caregivers and the Care Badge, what it means, how to obtain it and what resources are available.

Learn more about the Speak Up campaign