How to fit family caregiver on my application?

Hi all,

I have been unable to work for the last year-ish due to my dad getting sick and having to help him with basic things like driving, housework, etc. I'm unsure how to fit this detail on my application.

Do I file it under my work experience on my resume even though it isn't a formal job? I would have a big gap on my resume otherwise that I am anxious about. Is it a better fit in an optional essay where I can expand upon it? I want to focus my addendum on a different circumstance, so I'm not sure if I can fit two different topics properly in under a page. Do I double down and do both?

I did some cursory searches and couldn't find substantial advice online, so here I am. For what it's worth, he's well on pace to recovering decently enough to not need any more help by August 😌. Thanks for any advice.