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

I took time out to care for a family member after working as an IT help-desk technician. I am not sure how much to explain. How did you handle it on your résumé?

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

A short, honest line such as 'family caregiving' is enough for most employers. They mostly want to know you are ready now.