How do I handle a long gap on my résumé? - what worked for you?

I took time out to care for a family member after working as a barista. I am in Omaha, in case local advice matters. I have done some volunteering and a course during that time. How did you handle it on your résumé?

I was hired after a 7-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.