Senior Health

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Make Your Health a Priority as You Get Older

According to the latest US Census, the current growth in the number and proportion of older adults in the United States is unprecedented in our nation’s history. The rapid aging of our population is driven by two realities:

  • Americans are living longer lives than in previous decades; many are now living into their seventies, eighties, and beyond.
  • Given the post-World War II baby boom, there are proportionately more older adults than in previous generations.

Nearly 40 percent of the hospital patients for whom Lakeland cares are aged 65 or older. Lakeland has a special commitment to caring for these members of our community and is now one of only 500 hospitals in the United States designated as a NICHE facility systemwide. NICHE (Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders) is the only national designation indicating a hospital’s commitment to elder care excellence. 

The NICHE program methods are designed to improve geriatric patient outcomes as well as satisfaction levels among patients and their families. Learn more about NICHE here.

As your age increases, so does your risk of heart disease, cancer, and other chronic diseases and conditions. It’s more important than ever to receive regular medical care.

The good news is that it’s never too late to take steps to reduce your risk and enjoy a higher quality of life. Be sure you have a primary care provider, also called a general practitioner, to serve as the “home base” for your medical care. Your primary care provider can send you to specialists if needed, and collect all your information in one place for future reference. Search for a provider below, or call the Lakeland HealthLine at 800-303-8399

Nicholas Loafman, DO

Nicholas Loafman, DO

Orthopedics


About the Provider

Video Title:Hip replacement: Connie Harmacinski "A humbling experience"

Video Summary: When Connie's hip pain didn’t go away, she knew it was time to seek help from orthopedic surgeon, Nicholas Loafman, DO.

Video Title:Hip surgery: Ethan Shirk "Running from the pain"

Video Summary: Ethan underwent surgery for hip pain and is back to running, weightlifting, and going for walks pain free.

Video Title:Physician Video Profile: Nicholas Loafman, DO (Orthopedic Surgeon)

Video Summary: Nicholas Loafman, DO, is an Orthopedic Surgeon with Lakeland Health.

Video Title:Check-Up: Is Hip Surgery For You? (Nicholas Loafman, DO)

Video Summary: Nicholas Loafman, DO, shares some of the factors Orthopedic Surgeons consider when deciding if someone is a good candidate for hip surgery.

Video Title:Check-Up: When to Seek Knee Replacement Treatment (Nicholas Loafman, DO)

Video Summary: Nicholas Loafman, DO, discusses options people can turn to before getting a knee replacement and what recovery is like for people who end up needing surgery.

Video Title:Check-Up: Treating Bursitis (Nicholas Loafman, DO)

Video Summary: Nicholas Loafman, DO, shares how physicians diagnose and help treat the common condition known as Bursitis.

Video Title:Check-Up: Sprain vs. Rupture (Nicholas Loafman, DO)

Video Summary: Nicholas Loafman, DO, explains the difference between a sprain and a rupture, and what people should do if they think they have suffered those kinds of injuries.

Video Title:Check-Up: Recovery After Hip Surgery (Nicholas Loafman, DO)

Video Summary: Nicholas Loafman, DO, outlines the recovery time for patients who have undergone hip replacement surgery.

Video Title:Total Joint Replacement: New Techniques and Best Practices

Video Summary: Learn the latest advances in joint replacements and how our orthopedic surgeons are providing higher quality outcomes.

Video Title:Number One in the State for Orthopedic Care - Spectrum Health Lakeland

Video Summary: Spectrum Health Lakeland is proud to be named number one in the state for orthopedic care.

Education

Medical School
  • Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
  • Major: Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency
  • Midwestern University
Internship
  • Millcreek Community Hospital

Testimonials

  • "Immediately upon meeting [Dr. Loafman] I felt very comfortable. He is straightforward and honest which I really appreciate, so I knew what to expect the whole time."

    "Dr. Loafman explained everything in great detail and left nothing to the imagination."

Insurances Accepted

  • Priority Health

Office Locations

A

Southwest Michigan Center for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine

183 Peace Blvd,
St. Joseph, MI 49085
(269) 428-3500 (269) 429-6429 http://swmortho.com Get Directions
B

CH Orthopedics Longmeadow

6 Longmeadow Village Dr, Suite 1,
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 684-6484 (269) 684-6685 http://www.shlakelandortho.com Get Directions

Continue Watching

Physician Video Profile: Esther Servillas, MD (Internal Medicine)

Esther Servillas, MD is a physician practicing internal medicine and geriatrics at Corewell Health Primary Care - Royalton Family and Internal Medicine in St. Joseph, MI.

Dec 22, 2023
Physician Video Profile: Lindsey Kinney, DO (Family Medicine)

Lindsey Kinney, DO, is a family medicine doctor seeing patients in Niles at Corewell Health Primary Care - Longmeadow located in Southwest Michigan.

Aug 11, 2023
Physician Video Profile: Thomas Wright, DO (HouseCalls)

Thomas Wright, DO works in the HouseCalls program at Caring Circle. He provides home based care to homebound people in Southwest Michigan along with a team of other care professionals.

Apr 27, 2021
Check-Up: The Serious Side of Acid Reflux (John Gosling, MD)

Spectrum Health Lakeland internist, John Gosling, MD, talks about the warning signs and symptoms of severe acid reflux and consequences if untreated.

Feb 27, 2020
Check-Up: Michael O'Hearn - A Pain in the Back

Physical therapist, Michael O'Hearn shares when to seek medical help for back pain.

Mar 08, 2019
Bigger than a Building: Newly renovated Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital Pavilion

The newly renovated Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital Pavilion in St. Joseph focuses on high-tech modernizations and exceptional patient experiences.

Dec 07, 2022
How can you prepare for the cost of birth?

Are you expecting? You may have a lot of financial questions. Our financial counselors are here to help, regardless of your situation.

Dec 06, 2021
How can you prepare for the cost of surgery?

Planning for a surgery? Stay ahead of your health care bills by connecting with a financial counselor today.

Dec 06, 2021
How can financial counselors help?

If you’re concerned about your medical bills or just have questions, our financial counselors are here to help.

Dec 06, 2021
COVID-19 vaccine and kids

Pediatrician, Anne Dudley, DO, and Berrien County Health Department Medical Director, Rex Cabaltica, MD, discuss the COVID-19 vaccine for kids.

Aug 04, 2021

Trending on Lakeland

Corewell Health names new president for Corewell Health in Southwest Michigan

Natalie Baggio, RN, will become the new president of Corewell Health in Southwest Michigan, effective July 1. She will report to the system’s Chief Operating Officer, Darryl Elmouchi, M.D., and also will actively engage with the health system’s leadership team.

Corewell Health Center for Wellness Has Relocated to Expand Local Health Services in Benton Harbor

The Corewell Health™ Center for Wellness has moved to a spacious new building around the corner from its original facility. The new space is approximately 24,000 square feet - nearly 20 times larger than the previous location, adding adequate room to expand community-based health services.

Corewell Health’s President in Southwest Michigan Announces Retirement

Loren B. Hamel, M.D., president, Corewell Health™ in Southwest Michigan, has announced his plan to retire on June 30, 2024.

New Members Appointed to Corewell Health South Board of Directors

Corewell Health welcomed two new members to its board of directors in Southwest Michigan. Bertha King and Stephen Hempel, M.D., began three-year terms on Jan. 1, 2024.

Corewell Health Announces Changes to Board of Directors, Appoints New Chair

Today, Corewell Health™ announced changes to its board of directors, including the introduction of two new members, the appointment of a new chair and vice chair, and the departure of three founding board members.

Corewell Health Encourages Community Members to Donate Blood, Save Lives This Holiday Season

Corewell Health™, in partnership with Versiti Blood Center of Michigan, is encouraging Lakeland area community members to donate blood this holiday season. A series of community blood drives will take place this December.

Corewell Health, YMCA Increase Access to Healthy Foods Through Veggie Van™ Partnership

The Veggie Van™, a mobile farmers market, served 13 counties throughout Michigan this year, ensuring that free fruits and vegetables were available to individuals who otherwise had limited access. The program, a joint effort of Corewell Health™ and the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids, launched in 2018 to combat food insecurity and will continue for a sixth consecutive year in spring 2024. Through their partnership, 46,466 free pieces of produce were distributed to Michigan families in 2023.

Corewell Health Named a Leading Inclusion Index Company

Corewell Health™ was named to professional services and research firm Seramount’s 2023 Inclusion Index. The recognition measures three key areas of an organization: best practices in the recruitment, retention and advancement of people from historically marginalized groups—women, racial/ethnic groups, people with disabilities and LGBTQIA+ people; inclusive company culture; and demographic diversity.

South Haven Luminary Fundraiser  for Corewell Health Hospice & Palliative Care

Community members are invited to support Corewell Health Hospice & Palliative Care, formerly Caring Circle, by purchasing a luminary now through Monday, Nov. 20, at 3 p.m.

Great Lakes Gastroenterology joins Corewell Health in Southwest Michigan

Southwest Michigan area residents can access gastroenterology services at a new Corewell Health™ facility, Corewell Health Lakeland Hospitals Gastroenterology, 3903 Hollywood Road, St. Joseph. The facility, formerly Great Lakes Gastroenterology, joined Corewell Health on Nov. 1.

Drug Take Back Day Encourages Community to Dispose of Unwanted Medications

Corewell Health and Berrien County Sheriff Department have teamed up to collect unused and unwanted prescription drugs for safe disposal. Community members are invited to stop by Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital and Corewell Health Care Center on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

New General Surgeon Joins Corewell Health in Southwest Michigan

General surgeon Andrew Vaughan, D.O., joined the medical staff in Southwest Michigan. Dr. Vaughan will see patients alongside several board-certified surgeons and advanced practitioners at 3900 Hollywood Road, St. Joseph.

Corewell Health Welcomes New Physician to Diabetes and Endocrinology

Board-certified endocrinologist, Inderpreet Madahar, M.D., will join Corewell Health’s medical staff in Southwest Michigan. Dr. Madahar will see patients at Corewell Health Diabetes and Endocrinology – Royalton, 3950 Hollywood Road, Suite 288, St. Joseph.

Corewell Health Welcomes New Primary Care Provider in Coloma

Family nurse practitioner Andrea Edgerly, N.P., has joined the Corewell Health™ medical staff in Southwest Michigan. Edgerly is accepting new patients at Corewell Health Watervliet Hospital Primary Care - Coloma, 6701 Paw Paw Ave.

Corewell Health Welcomes New Nurse Midwife

Alexandra Vroom, CNM, has joined Corewell Health™ in Southwest Michigan. Vroom will see patients alongside three physicians and four other advanced practice providers at Corewell Health Women’s Health‐ Royalton, 3950 Hollywood Road, Suite 100, in St. Joseph.

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