How do I handle a long gap on my résumé? - 5 months and counting

I took time out to care for a family member after working as an accountant. There are 7 people counting on me, so I am trying to be careful. I am nervous about being filtered out. What do you say in interviews?

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

I was hired after a 5-month gap. The manager said the skills test mattered more than the dates.