Norfolk Care Association (NorCA), the leading membership body for independent care providers in Norfolk, has announced a strategic partnership with Earzz, a multi award-winning, AI-powered resident monitoring solution, to support care providers in delivering safer, more proactive, and person-centred care.

The partnership brings together NorCA’s extensive membership network and Earzz’s privacy-first technology, designed to help care teams identify risk earlier, respond faster, and reduce avoidable incidents, without cameras, wearables, or intrusive monitoring.

Addressing real pressures with proven technology

Earzz uses acoustic intelligence to recognise sounds associated with risk or distress in residents’ rooms, such as movement noise during early bed exits which can precede falls, increased vocalisation, or unusual activity patterns. When something out of the ordinary is detected, alerts are sent to care staff on existing care planning devices, so they can check in promptly and intervene early. No audio is recorded or stored, ensuring resident dignity and privacy at all times.

Across live deployments in UK care homes, Earzz has supported significant reductions in falls, faster response times, improved resident sleep, and reduced pressure on night staff, outcomes that align closely with NorCA’s priorities around care quality, workforce wellbeing, and sustainable service delivery. The technology has been adopted by care providers across the UK, with reported outcomes including:

• Significant reduction in falls
• Improved sleep quality for residents
• Reduced burden on night staff through fewer unnecessary checks
• Faster, more confident responses to emerging risks

Why NorCA chose to partner

NorCA does not enter partnerships lightly. Earzz was selected following a thorough assessment of its technology, evidence base, and alignment with sector values.

Angela Steggles, Board Member & COO of Norfolk Care Association, said:

"Our members are navigating some of the toughest conditions the care sector has ever faced. They need technology that's credible, practical, and genuinely supportive, not another burden. We partnered with Earzz because we've seen the evidence. Providers using this technology report real improvements in safety, staff confidence, and quality of life for residents. Importantly, it's been developed with care teams, not imposed on them. This partnership gives our members a trusted route to adopting technology that aligns with CQC expectations, system priorities, and the principles of person-centred care."

Supporting system priorities

The partnership also has significance for commissioners, Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), and local authorities. By partnering with Earzz, NorCA provides confidence in technology and a pathway to more consistent quality standards across Norfolk's care market.

The technology supports key system priorities including:

• Preventable admission reduction: Earlier intervention reduces avoidable hospital admissions
• Workforce sustainability: Easing pressure on care teams supports retention and wellbeing
• Quality assurance: Provides objective data to support care planning and inspection readiness
• System resilience: Helps providers manage complexity without compromising safety

What providers can expect

NorCA members will have access to:

• Evidence-based information and peer case studies
• Facilitated demos
• Support from NorCA throughout the adoption process
• Access to a growing community of providers using Earzz

The partnership is not a sales arrangement. NorCA will continue to operate independently, with Earzz providing technology and support on a sector-first basis.

A technology-enabled future for care

Dr Pradyumna Thiruvenkatanathan, Founder & CEO of Earzz, said:

"We're honoured to partner with Norfolk Care Association. NorCA's endorsement reflects years of work to build technology that genuinely serves care providers and the people they support. This isn't about automation or replacement. It's about giving care teams better information so they can do what they do best, provide compassionate, proactive care. We're committed to working alongside NorCA and its members to support safe, dignified, evidence-led adoption. This is what sector-led innovation should look like."

Next steps

NorCA members interested in learning more can contact Earzz directly at
Email: info@earzz.co.uk
Phone: +44(0)2038380090

For commissioners, ICB leaders, or system partners interested in discussing the partnership's implications, contact Caitlin Moll via caitlin.moll@norfolkcareassociation.org.uk.

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