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 325 - 336 of 411 results.
Term Description

Restrictive conditions

Any environmental condition which could limit a person's actions, movements or choices.

Restrictive practice

The intentional restriction of a person’s voluntary movement or behaviour.

Alternative term(s) not to be used : Restraint; restrictive procedure

Retrospective allegation

A claim or assertion that someone has done something illegal or wrong in the past.

Rights

Being treated with fairness, respect, equality and dignity and having a say over one's own life.

Risk

The possibility of something bad happening.

Risk assessment

Identifying what can cause harm to people, if measures are adequate, or additional measures are required, to reduce injury and ill health.

Risk management

Recognising risks and having systems and processes to reduce the risk of these occurring or if they do, to minimise their impact.

Risk management plan

A plan that comprises the clinical and administrative systems, processes, and reports employed to detect, monitor, assess, mitigate, and prevent risks.

Risk register

A list commonly used to manage the risks throughout a service.

Road traffic incident

The unintended collision of one motor vehicle with another, a stationary object, or person.

Safeguarding

Encompasses a range of activities undertaken by professionals and agencies that are focused on the protection of people from maltreatment.

Alternative term(s) not to be used : Protection

Safeguarding plan

The agreed set of actions and strategies that are designed to support and manage ongoing risk of abuse or neglect for an adult with care and support needs.