I think the trick is, if they ask about the gap in employment, to simply tell them that you had to take time off to care for a family member. Anything past that

I think the trick is, if they ask about the gap in employment, to simply tell them that you had to take time off to care for a family member. Anything past that is not their business. Depending on your state/country, it's illegal to ask for more details. I hope that you don't feel bad or anything -- you're not the only person to have health/family/whatever issues.