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 253 - 264 of 411 results.
Term Description

Parent

A mother or father of a person.

Pattern of behaviour

A recurrent way of acting by an individual or group toward a given object or in a given situation.

Alternative term(s) not to be used : Behaviour trend

Peer

A person with similar status and interests typically used to refer to services users.

Peer abuse

Abuse that is perpetrated upon one service user by another service user.

Perpetrator

A person who caused abuse to someone else.

Person at risk

A person, who is potentially at risk due to ill-health, injury, disability, age or socio-economic circumstances.

Alternative term(s) not to be used : Vulnerable resident; Vulnerable person; VP

Person in charge (PIC)

A person appointed to manage a care service and who is legally responsible for the provision of that service.

Person-centred care and support

Care and support that is respectful of and responsive to individual preferences, needs and values, ensuring that patient values guide all clinical decisions.

Alternative term(s) not to be used : Person centred care; PCC; person-centred care

Personal care

Meeting certain needs of adults, such as assisting with going to the toilet, bathing, dressing, and undressing.

Personal development

Activities designed to improve talents, potential, employability, and wealth.

Personal health information

The data related to a person’s medical history, including symptoms, diagnoses, procedures, and outcomes.

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

Personal hygiene

The act of keeping all parts of the body clean and healthy.