Our History

Steeped in Tradition, Poised for the Future

Although Deutsches Altenheim officially opened its doors in 1914 under the leadership of Mrs. Wilhemina Schrafft, the organization’s roots actually date back to 1891. Originally designed to serve as a retirement residence for elderly German Americans, the sprawling West Roxbury campus has grown to encompass skilled nursing, assisted living, memory care and adult day health. For over 100 years, Deutsches Altenheim has undergone several transformations as we have responded to the changing needs of the elderly. Rich in history and tradition, today the nonprofit is recognized as one of Greater Boston’s most respected healthcare organizations. View our timeline for a look at the many milestones that have occurred over the years.

 

1891
1907
1912
1914
1932
1937
1977
1991
1996
1998 & 1999
2002
2006
2018
1891

A building fund started with a gift of $300 from the Bennett Street German School at the time of its closing in 1891.

1907

A prominent Boston businessman, Frank Schirmer, pledged $20,000 to the fund provided that the German Ladies Aid Society raise an additional like amount. This was accomplished in about five years through many generous gifts.

1912

In 1912, a 12 acre parcel of land in West Roxbury was purchased. The architectural firm of Funk and Wilcox was retained and construction began shortly thereafter.

1914

On May 10, 1914 Deutsches Altenheim officially opened its doors with extraordinary fanfare. It was the social event of the community, attended by Boston's leading German citizens.

1932

With the legacy of Charles Holtzer in 1932, an auditorium and more resident rooms were built.

1937

A second addition in 1937 enlarged the number of private rooms, and housekeeping was added.

1977

In 1977, the Altenheim underwent extensive renovations to modernize the building. At the same time it was approved by the state of Massachusetts to provide limited nursing care to its residents. By 1981 all of the home's residents were receiving some form of nursing care.

1991

In 1991, with the addition of its wing of 82 beds, Deutsches Altenheim began to provide skilled nursing care to its residents and the Altenheim took its place as one of Boston’s finest skilled nursing facilities.

1996

Additional services were added in 1996 with the licensure of outpatient rehabilitation and the addition of Senior Place, an adult day health program for seniors who need supervised day time care. At this time, Deutsches Altenheim adopted its new moniker: German Centre for Extended Care to better position itself within the Greater Boston sub-acute community.

1998 & 1999

In the spring of 1998 ground was broken on a state-of-the-art memory care wing. The program, developed in conjunction with the Alzheimer’s Association, features a specially-adapted physical environment served by a staff trained to the standards of the Joint Commission and the Alzheimer’s Association. The new wing, named the Wilhelmina Schrafft Pavilion, opened in 1999 and has been recognized as one of the finest of its type.

2002

In 2002, the opening of the Carl J. Ludwig Transitional Care Unit enabled the German Centre to offer short-term post-acute rehabilitation. Each year, more than 1,000 Greater Boston seniors benefit from Deutsches Altenheim’s therapeutic services, restoring them to their highest level of independence before returning to the community.

2006

Edelweiss Village, a 62 apartment assisted living community, opened in 2006. The community offers services to independent seniors needing assistance with some aspects of daily life. Should the need arise for additional care, Deutsches Altenheim is able to offer assisted living residents a wide range of support and services from within its own campus.

2018

In 2017, German Centre underwent extensive infrastructure and plant enhancements, including upgrading the nurse call, telephone, and fire alarm safety systems; installations of new heating/cooling systems, laundry and kitchen equipment, and an emergency generator. In addition, resident rooms and public spaces on all three residential units were remodeled to give the building an updated appearance.