The Lexicon for Social Care is an initiative by HIQA’s Chief Inspector of Social Service. The Lexicon provides a list of commonly-used words relevant to social care, along with a definition. The use of standardised language is important for clarity and consistency and all providers of social care are encouraged to use the Lexicon in their communications with HIQA. Below are links to useful documents as well as a search function for the Lexicon.

If you wish to comment or leave feedback on the Lexicon for Social Care then please click here or simply email socialcarelexicon@hiqa.ie.

  • Guidance for providers on submitting notifications

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  • Lexicon for Social Care (PDF)

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  • Infographic about the Lexicon

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Lexicon catalogue

Displaying 133 - 144 of 411 results.
Term Description

Disempowerment

To take away someone's confidence and feeling of being in control of their life.

Dispense

To prepare and give out medicine.

Do not attempt resuscitation (DNAR)

When neither basic (heart compressions and ventilation) nor advanced (defibrillator or medicines) life-preserving interventions should be performed.

Alternative term(s) not to be used : Not for resuscitation; DNR

Doctor

A person with a medical degree whose job is to treat people who are ill or hurt.

Alternative term(s) not to be used : Physician

Documentation

A piece of written, printed, or electronic matter that provides information or evidence or that serves as an official record.

Dose

The amount of medicine that you should take at one time.

Alternative term(s) not to be used : Dosage

Dressing

A covering put on an injury, esp. when there has been bleeding through the skin.

Dual diagnosis

A person with a mental health illness and one of either intellectual disability or substance abuse disorder.

Emergency admission

A person provided with residential care at short notice due to unforeseen circumstances.

Alternative term(s) not to be used : Crisis admission

Emergency evacuation

Where there is an urgent need for people to exit or escape a place due to an imminent threat.

Alternative term(s) not to be used : Unplanned evacuation

Emergency planning

The process of determining what actions are to be taken should certain incidents occur in a service.

Emotional distress

Is a state of emotional suffering. The term encompasses a wide range of symptoms, but its hallmarks are the symptoms of depression and anxiety. People can experience it at any time, and it is usually temporary.