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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  • Academic slides on Lexicon for Social Care

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Lexicon catalogue

Displaying 121 - 132 of 411 results.
Term Description

Dietary needs

The various foods, fluids and supplements required to optimise a person's health.

Dietitian

A qualified health professional concerned with nutrition and diet.

Dignity

Treating people with compassion and in a way that values them as human beings and supports their self-respect, even if their wishes are not known at the time.

Dining room

A space where service users can gather to consume food or snacks.

Director of nursing (DON)

A senior nurse manager with overall responsibility for nursing care in a service.

Directory of residents

A list that contains the names and associated details of people living in a service.

Disability

In relation to a person, means a substantial restriction in the capacity of the person to carry on a profession, business or occupation in the state or to participate in social or cultural life in the state by reason of an enduring physical, sensory, mental health or intellectual impairment.

Disableism

Discrimination or prejudice against disabled people.

Disadvantaged

Not having the standard of living conditions, education, etc. that most people have.

Discharge

To deem a person fit to leave or be transferred from a hospital or service.

Alternative term(s) not to be used : Release

Discrimination

Treating a person or particular group of people differently, especially in a worse way from the way in which you treat other people, because of their race, gender, sexuality, etc.

Disease

An illness caused by infection or a failure of health rather than by an accident.