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 373 - 384 of 411 results.
Term Description

Supporting to move

Assisting a person to move about their environment.

Alternative term(s) not to be used : Moving; handling, manual handling, handling, patient handling

Suspected (cause of death)

To have an idea or impression of the cause of death without certain proof.

Suspected (infectious disease)

To have an idea or impression of the presence of an infectious disease without certain proof such as laboratory confirmation.

Suspension

Where an employee is temporarily not allowed to work due to an investigation.

Sutures

Used to sew up a cut in a person's body.

Alternative term(s) not to be used : Stitches

Swelling

A part of your body that has become bigger because of illness or injury.

Symptomatic

Showing symptoms of a particular disease.

Syndrome

A combination of medical problems that shows the existence of a particular disease or mental condition.

Temporary absence

A person not being present in the short term.

Therapeutic intervention

An intentional interaction(s) or event(s) which is expected to contribute to a positive outcome for a person, which is selected on the basis of their identified needs, and which is underpinned by an informed understanding of the potential impact and value of the interaction/event involved.

Threatening

Having a hostile or deliberately frightening quality or manner.

Threats of reprisal

When someone says something bad will happen if you speak up or that something bad might happen again.