What does the Hester Davis Scale recommend if a patient is under 20 years old with a history of falls?

The Hester Davis Scale emphasizes the importance of addressing fall risks even in younger individuals, especially those with a history of falls. In this context, closely monitoring a patient under 20 years old with a previous history of falls is crucial. This age group may not always be prioritized for fall risk assessments typically associated with older adults, yet they can still experience significant consequences from falls.

Closer monitoring allows for the identification of any patterns or triggers that may contribute to falls. It also provides an opportunity for timely interventions that can prevent future incidents. Consistent observation can help healthcare providers ensure that any underlying issues contributing to the falls are addressed, which could involve checking the patient’s physical condition, medication use, or environmental factors.

Conducting a thorough assessment, while valuable, may be more comprehensive than what is necessary if simple monitoring can mitigate risk effectively. Referring for specialized care should be reserved for cases that demonstrate severe or persistent risk factors that require expert intervention. In this scenario, since the individual is young, careful monitoring serves as a proactive measure to ensure ongoing safety and well-being.