Explaining a gap after caregiving or layoff - first time posting

I took time out to care for a family member after working as a customer-service rep. There are 3 people counting on me, so I am trying to be careful. I am not sure how much to explain. Did anyone get past it?

Keep everything in writing and save the confirmation numbers. It saved me later.

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