Explaining a gap after caregiving or layoff

I took time out to care for a family member after working as a marketing coordinator. I am in Memphis, in case local advice matters. I have done some volunteering and a course during that time. What do you say in interviews?

I was hired after a 14-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.