My sister and I are starting a company that will provide in home care for the elderly or home bound. It will not be medical assistance but rather sitting, and small chores, looking in on, so that the person may remain in their home without having to live in a nursing home. We have checked with several state agencies without success in finding out if we need to be licensed and if so how. Also how do we become bonded and what exactly does that mean?

In order to be bonded you should have a police check. But what will you do with these elderly who have medical issues, or if some don't know what kind of meds they take? I am a licensed Personal Support Worker whose scope of practice does not encompass giving meds to my clients but I can direct them only. I also have experience in lifting in ways that don't put a lot of stress on me.

So what qualifications do you have to take care of elderly people in their homes ? Caring for individuals on a day to day basis, especially ones with medical issues, is big responsibility.

I recognize my scope of practice and adhere to it, but then Ontario has regulations that can be readily accessed if anyone wants to know what can be done in this area.
Surely there must be a government agency that regulates nursing home care; this would be the type of agency that could help you with your search for the correct licences (for what you want to do).