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 205 - 216 of 411 results.
Term Description

Isolation

The practice of locating a person away from the immediate vicinity of others in order to prevent the transmission of disease.

Laceration (lacerate)

A cut or tear to skin.

Last resort (Restrictive practice)

The use of a restrictive practice when all other measures were unsuccessful.

Laundry

The dirty clothes and sheets that need to be, are being, or have been washed.

Learning difficulty

A difficulty in acquiring knowledge or skills, in particular any of various neurodevelopmental conditions affecting either general intellectual ability or the learning and use of specific academic skills such as reading, writing, or mathematics.

Least restrictive procedure

The restrictive practice which incurs the minimal limitation on a person, in the safest manner possible, for the shortest duration.

Legal duty

An obligation arising out of contract or law.

length of stay

The amount of time a person has been accommodated or present in a particular health or social care service.

Liberty

Lack of restrictions being placed on people’s movement except in specific circumstances, such as when procedural safeguards can be applied according to the law.

Line of enquiry

A question or prompt used by an inspector to determine whether a service is complying with a regulation or standard.

Manager on call

A manager designated to be available by telephone should their services be required.

Means of escape

The method by which people can exit a building in the event of an emergency.