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. I would rather hear the honest version than the polite one. I am not sure how much to explain. Did anyone get past it?

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.