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 265 - 276 of 411 results.
Term Description

Personal information

Any information about a living person, where that person either is identified or could be identified.

Alternative term(s) not to be used : Personal data

Personal intimate care

Care tasks associated with bodily functions, body products and personal hygiene which demand direct or indirect contact with or exposure of the sexual parts of the body.

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

Personal plan

An overarching plan is developed to support a person's health, personal and social care and support needs and provide guidance for staff.

Alternative term(s) not to be used : Care plan; individualised care plan; personal care plan; support plan

Personal protective equipment

Any device or appliance designed to be worn or held by an individual for protection against one or more health and safety hazards.

Personally identifiable information (PII)

Any representation of information that permits the identity of an individual to whom the information applies to be reasonably inferred by either direct or indirect means.

Persons participating in management

A person or people who are actively engaged in and responsible for the operational management of a designated centre.

Physical abuse

Where a person deliberately hurts or puts a person at risk of being hurt.

Physical restraint

Any manual method or physical or mechanical device, material or equipment attached or adjacent to a person’s body that the individual cannot easily remove that restricts freedom of movement or normal access to one’s body.

Physically well

Where a person can perform tasks without any physical discomfort.

Physiotherapist

Someone who treats people using physiotherapy.

Alternative term(s) not to be used : Physio

Placement

The process of identifying a suitable temporary or long-term residential or day service for a person with care and support needs.

Plaster

A small piece of sticky cloth or plastic that you use to cover and protect a cut in the skin.