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

My résumé shows a gap from a layoff and some health issues. There are 17 people counting on me, so I am trying to be careful. 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.