Explaining a gap after caregiving or layoff - 16 weeks in

My résumé shows a gap from a layoff and some health issues. I have done some volunteering and a course during that time. Did anyone get past it?

I was hired after a 12-month gap. The manager said the skills test mattered more than the dates.

I listed the volunteering and course under the same dates and kept the explanation to a sentence in the cover letter.