BACKGROUND: This study examines the relationship between dietary total antioxidant capacity, frailty, and nutritional status in Turkish older adults living in the community and nursing homes. METHODS: This study included 160 older adults (50% female) living in the community ( = 80) and a nursing home ( = 80). Anthropometric measurements were taken, and BMI was calculated. Demographic characteristics, nutritional status (MNA-SF: Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form), frailty (FRAIL Scale), activities of daily living (Katz ADL), and three-day food consumption records were assessed. Dietary total antioxidant capacity was determined based on the three-day food consumption record. RESULTS: The mean ages of the groups were similar (72.5 ± 6.0 and 72.2 ± 5.9 years). Nursing home residents had significantly higher rates of chronic disease (91.3%) and regular medication use (90.0%) ( < 0.05). Overweight was more prevalent among community dwellers (50.0%,  < 0.05), while obesity was more common in nursing home residents (26.2%,  > 0.05). Frail (32.5%) and pre-frail (40.0%) rates were higher in nursing home residents compared to elderly community dwellers (21.2 and 38.8%, respectively). Dependence ratios were similar between the groups ( > 0.05). Community-dwelling participants had a lower risk of malnutrition. While their daily carbohydrate intake was lower, nursing home residents had higher intakes of protein, fat, -3 fatty acids, fiber, vitamins (except vitamin E), and minerals. Frailty showed a strong negative correlation with Katz ( = -0.56,  < 0.001) and MNA-SF scores ( = -0.44,  < 0.001), while weak positive correlations were observed with TRAP, TEAC, and FRAP3 values. A negative correlation was observed between the residential setting and TORAC ( = -0.424,  < 0.001), TRAP ( = -0.190,  < 0.001), TEAC ( = -0.257,  < 0.001), and total VCEAC ( = -0.241,  = 0.002) values. CONCLUSION: Residential setting may affect nutrient intake, frailty, dietary total antioxidant capacity, and overall health in older adults.