Introduction/background Residential respite care (RRC) provides short-term care in a residential aged care facility when an older person’s usual carer is unavailable. In Australia in 2023–24 there were approximately 98,000 admissions to RRC (8,400 people in RRC at any one time). Unfortunately, outcomes for people in RRC are poorer than for permanent residents. There is therefore an urgent need for research and innovation to improve the quality and safety of RRC. Purpose/aims This symposium will present current evidence on RRC and describe the development, implementation and evaluation of the 3C Program, an innovative approach designed to improve care in RRC. It will also explore how the 3C Program could be embedded within the health and aged care system and identify priorities for addressing RRC research gaps. Overview of activities The symposium will begin with an overview of RRC research, focusing on key RRC issues. Four presentations will follow: 1. Results from 2 studies: a retrospective study examining hospital adverse events in RRC patients, and a qualitative study on perspectives of residential respite recipients, their carers and RRC staff 2. Development of the 3C Program, comprising Comprehensive assessment, Care planning and Communication 3. Use of video to enhance clinical communication: the 3C Video Vignette 4. Evaluation of the 3C Program, including findings from the implementation pilot The symposium will conclude with a panel discussion on embedding innovation in the RRC sector, a Q&A session, and a call to action to establish a residential respite research community of practice. Expected outcomes for audience members 1. Gain insight into current issues in RRC research and practice 2. Learn about innovative approaches to continuity of care and clinical handover tailored to respite care 3. Hear strategies for embedding innovation within existing systems 4. Learn about plans to develop an RRC research community of practice