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 an electrician's helper. I have been trying to stay organised about it. I am not sure how much to explain. How did you handle it on your résumé?

Keep everything in writing and save the confirmation numbers. It made the follow-up calls so much easier.

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