It appears that Washington lawmakers are not the only ones thinking about how to improve healthcare.

McKnight’s has been asking readers in its “Question of the Month” what their version of long-term care reform would be.

So far, we have received more feedback than I was expecting. That brings me to the conclusion that, while you may not voice these opinions in everyday conversions, you have thought about—perhaps at considerable length—how to make the system better.

The answers vary from reducing the paperwork burden to modeling nursing home care after hospice. Here is a sampling of responses (so pay attention, dear senators and congressmen!):

— Enlist Medicare into the drug business, one nursing home administrator said. “They currently pay a premium for drugs. This could greatly reduce the cost of drugs.”

This same respondent also recommended setting up free clinics for those who cannot pay for healthcare, and providing 24-7 home care. Having Medicare pay a flat fee for therapy based on census and allowing therapists to see residents based on need would help save time and eliminate administrative costs, he said. (Hmm … interesting idea.)

— An insurance agent has suggested that the government spend more money informing people about the cost of long-term care. (And based on studies we know many Americans are ignorant about this).

— One assistant administrator would like to see more time spent on residents and less on paperwork. (I can already see some of you nodding your heads.) She also suggests focusing on the needs of the elderly with psychiatric diagnoses.

Government financing is also in need of help, she said, as the costs of care often exceed the per diem received. (Again, nodding heads.)

Yet another of her suggestions is implementing malpractice lawsuit reform so that nursing homes are not spending their last bit of energy to avoid being sued.

— Finally, a long-term care consultant offers her take: Model long-term care after the hospice model such that the person’s physical, emotional and social needs are taken into consideration. Medical care would be second to the social aspects of care.

Thinking of a resident as a person? I’d argue for implementing that reform immediately.

Feel free to add to the discussion. E-mail me your version of long-term care reform at [email protected]. Answers will be posted in an upcoming issue of McKnight’s Long-Term Care News. Look for it soon!