Care & Support Glossary

Daily tasks including eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, and moving around – often support required for individuals with complex physical or cognitive conditions, along with long-term injuries. 

A plan made in advance for an individual’s care preferences, particularly for serious or end-of-life conditions. It guides healthcare professionals and Support Workers on the person’s preferences, dislikes and goals. It is a document that will be reviewed regularly to ensure people are getting the support they need.

Devices or equipment that help people live independently. This can include wheelchairs, hoists, handrails, communication aids, and specialised software. 

When an individual shows actions that may cause concern or harm to themselves or others. There can have intense feelings on a regular basis that may risk their physical safety or safety of others.  

We have produced a helpful guide to understanding behaviours of concern, which you can view here.

A structured plan outlining strategies to support an individual with behaviours of concern, which will include guidance on suitable preventative measures, positive reinforcement and interventions.  

Support and management of urinary catheters, including cleaning, monitoring for infection, and safe handling.

Ongoing support and monitoring of long-term health conditions – such as diabetes and epilepsy, to maintain wellbeing and prevent complications.

A framework ensuring care delivery is high-quality, safe and effective. It also manages policies, training, audits, and accountability measures. 

Support for individual who need help with managing bladder and bowel functions, including toileting support, catheter care, and the use of continence products.

Specialised care for individuals with serious mental and physical medical conditions, disabilities and long-term injuries. Often individuals with complex care needs require significant support, intervention and monitoring by trained Support Workers.

Support for people living with dementia, focusing on maintaining independence, safety, cognition, and emotional wellbeing.

Assistance provided to individuals with physical, learning, or sensory disabilities – helping them live independently and safely.  

Support for individuals with epilepsy diagnosis, including seizure management, medication administration, and safety planning. They may also require assistance with attending medical appointments. 

Care for individuals approaching end of life, which prioritises comfort and promotes dignity whilst controlling symptoms, and providing emotional support to both the individual and their loved ones.

A registered professional providing medical, therapeutic, or nursing care.  This can include Registered Nurses, GPs and Occupational Therapists. 

Procedures and precautions to prevent the spread of infections, this can include use of PPE, following cleaning protocols and washing hands. 

Care and assistance for individuals with learning disabilities to help with communication, daily living, education, and social engagement – whilst promoting independence and learning new skills.  

Techniques and procedures to safely assist or move individuals, reducing the risk of injury to both carer and client.

Support with the safe administration, storage, and monitoring of prescribed medications, including prompting, preparation, and record-keeping.

A care service delivered by Registered Nurses to provide clinical intervention. This may include wound management, monitoring vital signs, tracheostomy care or stoma care. 

A therapeutic service that helps individuals regain or maintain independence in daily activities through tailored strategies, equipment, or exercises.

Providing nutrition via a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube for individuals unable to eat or swallow safely.

Palliative care is designed to support an individual with serious illness and life-limiting conditions. A key focus is relieving the symptoms. 

A type of support service that helps individuals with complex needs complete tasks that support hygiene, grooming, dressing, and personal appearance. 

Therapeutic care to restore or maintain movement, strength, balance, and physical function.

A person-centred framework designed to understand, prevent, and reduce behaviours of concern, using proactive, evidence-based strategies to enhance quality of life.

Temporary care provided to give regular carers a break, while ensuring the individual continues to receive safe and consistent support. It may also be used in the interim between hospital and home, whilst the individual waits for their homes to be adapted to meet their care needs. 

The process of protecting vulnerable individuals from abuse, neglect, or harm. All health and social care professionals must recognise, prevent, and report concerns.

Assistance for individuals with vision or hearing loss, including adaptations, communication strategies, and environmental modifications.

Monitoring, responding to, and recording seizures safely, particularly for individuals with epilepsy or seizure disorders. 

Support to maintain healthy skin, prevent pressure ulcers, and manage wounds or chronic skin conditions.

A trained health and social care professional that is qualified to delivery person-centred care.  

Specialised support that is delivered to individuals in their own homes, which encourages independence. The individual’s accommodation will be reviewed to ensure they are living in a suitable property which enables them to have the support they need.  

Support for individuals to maintain independence, wellbeing, and participation in society. Social care includes emotional, practical, and social assistance.

Therapeutic intervention to improve communication, swallowing, and language skills for those with speech or swallowing difficulties.

A stoma is a surgically created opening in an individual’s abdomen that excretes bodily waste whilst bypassing the bowel and urinary system. Stoma care involves regularly cleaning the stoma and managing the collection bag.  

Any structured activity or treatment aimed at improve all aspect’s of an individual’s wellbeing – including,  physical, cognitive, emotional, or social wellbeing.

Support when an individual moves between care settings, such as from hospital to home, ensuring safety and continuity of care.

A holistic approach to health encompassing physical, mental, and emotional aspects, ensuring individuals feel safe, supported, and empowered. 

Specialised support in preventing, cleaning, dressing, and monitoring wounds to promote healing and prevent infection.