There are challenges faced by many countries around the world related to an increasing number of elderly people and a shortage of health care personnel. The purpose of this paper was to explore the extent to which the magnet model and core values of TQM offer complementary perspectives with the intention of providing a good working environment for health care professionals and better quality of care for elderly people. The magnetic forces were analysed versus the core values/cornerstones of TQM. The results show similarities that reinforce the quality of care and a good working environment for health care professionals.