In researching the Wurster family, the obituaries of Robert Wurster's sisters Pauline (Wurster) Wolfla and Emma (Wurster) Vogt mention that they were residents of "the Altenheim". I did some research and found the following entry in the book The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis, edited by David J. Bodenhamer and Robert G. Barrows.
Altenheim. Originally known as the German Home for the Aged in Indianapolis (Deutsches Altenheim von Indianapolis), the institution is still in existence today as the Altenheim Community. This home for the elderly traces its beginnings to the early 20th century; the present building, a spacious, modern, brick-and-glass structure on East Hanna Avenue, is in sharp contrast to the red brick Victorian mansion on Capitol Avenue that was the Altenheim prior to 1975.
The Altenheim was founded in 1909 by a group of prominent Indianapolis Germans affiliated with Zion Evangelical Church. They wanted to establish a home for aged persons, primarily childless widows and single women, not only for physical care but also for social benefits. The organizers then purchased the large William Elliott residence on Capitol Avenue at 20th street and remodeled it for communal living. To manage the home, a board of directors was selected from the association, which in time came to number some 400 people.
Over the years, the old mansion was expanded with at least two additions. In 1918, only 15 persons were living in what was then known as the Old-Folks' Home, probably in deference to anti-German feeling at that time. Eventually, the home provided for 40 to 45 residents. Safety regulations and government health care mandates necessitated the move in 1975 to a more modern building. The Altenheim continues as a not-for-profit organization affiliated with the United Church of Christ.