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 169 - 180 of 411 results.
Term Description

Functional assessment

A measure of an individual’s level of function and ability to perform specific tasks on a safe and dependable basis over a defined period.

General practitioner (GP)

A doctor based in the community who treats patients with minor or chronic illnesses and refers those with serious conditions to specialists.

Guardian ad litem

A person who supports children to have their voice heard in certain types of legal proceedings, and makes an independent assessment of the child’s interests.

Guidance document

A document which describes how a service should provide care or support in a specific context.

Alternative term(s) not to be used : Guidance

Hand hygiene

The practice of maintaining the cleanliness of hands for the purposes of infection prevention and control.

Harassment

Ongoing unwanted and intentional behaviour that annoys or upsets someone.

Health and safety

A general term referring to the practices and processes that are in place to reduce the risk of harm.

Health and social care professionals

A large cluster of health care related professions and personnel whose functions include assisting, facilitating, or complementing the work of physicians and other specialists in the health and social care system, and who choose to be identified as allied health personnel.

Alternative term(s) not to be used : Allied health professionals

Health screening

Test(s) carried out within a specified population for the purpose of identifying potential disease(s).

Alternative term(s) not to be used : Screening

Healthcare

The activity or business of providing medical services that support physical and mental wellbeing.

Alternative term(s) not to be used : Health care

Healthcare assistant (HCA)

A specific role in health and social care services which involves assisting with general duties and basic care.

Alternative term(s) not to be used : Care assistant

Healthcare professional

A person with a qualification that allows them to provide one or more of a range of health care services.