Objective To identify latent classes of care dependency in older patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and analyze their influencing factors, aiming to provide reference for precision care. Methods A convenience sample of 339 older COPD patients were surveyed using a general information questionnaire, the Care Dependency Scale, the Frail Scale, the Low-literacy Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Knowledge Questionnaire, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Latent class analysis was performed to identify distinct care dependency classes, and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify the influencing factors. Results Care dependency was reported in 63.1% of patients. Three distinct classes were identified: highly independent-circadian rhythm dependent (n=142, 41.8%), partial activities-learning dependent (n=121, 35.7%), and fully dependent (n=76, 22.4%).Logistic regression showed that age, GOLD pulmonary function grade, dyspnea, frailty, social support, and health literacy were factors influencing class membership (all P<0.05). Conclusion Care dependency among older COPD patients exhibits significant heterogeneity. Precision care interventions should be tailored to these distinct classes, focusing on those with poor pulmonary function and dyspnea, enhancing social support networks, strengthening health education, and mitigating frailty to improve overall health outcomes, thus to reduce care dependency.