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 145 - 156 of 411 results.
Term Description

Empowerment

To give someone official authority or the freedom to do something.

End-of-life care

Care and support given to people who are near the end-of-life and who are not receiving any intervention to cure or control a disease.

Enduring power of attorney

A legally recognised arrangement that lets a person plan ahead for a time when they may be unable to make certain decisions for themselves.

Ensuite

Used to describe a bathroom that is directly connected to a bedroom, usually for the sole use of the occupants of the bedroom.

Environmental restraint

The intentional restriction of a person’s normal access to their environment, with the intention of stopping them from leaving, or denying a resident their normal means of independent mobility, means of communicating, or the intentional taking away of ability to exercise civil and religious liberties.

Expert by experience

People who have recent personal experience of using or caring for someone who uses health, mental health and/or social care services.

Extrapyramidal symptoms

A variety of movement disorders such as tardive dyskinesia, akathisia, or bradykinesia, suffered as a result of taking dopamine antagonists, usually antipsychotic (neuroleptic) drugs, which are often used to control psychosis, especially schizophrenia.

Faecal incontinence

Involuntary passing of stool.

Fairness

The quality of treating people equally or in a way that is right or reasonable.

Fall

To suddenly go down onto the ground or towards the ground without intending to or by accident.

Falls alarm

A device which alerts others when a person has fallen.

Alternative term(s) not to be used : Fall detector

Falls assessment

A process used to determine the risk a person will experience a fall.