Objective To explore the application effect of a discharge service based on a home care assessment tool in older patients diagnosed with heart failure. Methods Older patients with heart failure were divided into a control group (n=50) and an observation group (n=50). The control group received routine discharge preparation services, while the observation group received a discharge preparation service based on a home care assessment tool. The discharge readiness, quality of discharge guidance, and unplanned readmission rates at 1 month and 3 months after discharge were compared between the two groups.Results A total of 50 cases in the control group and 48 cases in the observation group completed the whole study. The observation group demonstrated significantly higher levels of discharge readiness and quality of discharge guidance compared to the control group (P<0.05). Additionally, the unplanned readmission rate at 3 months after discharge was significantly lower in the observation group than that in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion Implementingthe discharge preparation service based on the home care assessment tool can enhance discharge readiness and improve the quality of discharge guidance in older heart failure patients, ultimately reducing unplanned readmission rates.