Explaining a gap after caregiving or layoff - what worked for you?

I have been out of work for 11 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. How did you handle it on your résumé?

I was hired after a 11-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.