Explaining a gap after caregiving or layoff

I have been out of work for 7 months and worry about the gap. I have been trying to stay organised about it. I have done some volunteering and a course during that time. What do you say in interviews?

I was hired after a 7-month gap. The manager said the skills test mattered more than the dates.

Thanks for writing this out. I went through something close to it 7 months ago, and it settled down once I kept a simple log of every call and form.