Re-Entering the job force after being a caregiver - I was laid off from my job in 2011 after taking a family leave when my mom had brain surgery several years ago.

Her recovery was slow and left her with multiple disabilities. The job market was awful at the time, so instead of going back to work I chose to stay home and help her as a caregiver since she desperately needed one. Mom is now getting to the point she will need full-time care in under a year. As a way of preparing, I went back to school and will graduate this December with a degree Information Security/Risk Management. I know I am facing several hurdles - re-entering the workforce after an extended absence, changing careers (I held an office coordinator title when I was terminated) and ageism (over 50). I'm working to steps to setting myself up to be in the best position possible when it comes time to getting a job, but my resume' and LinkedIn account have me stumped. I have many transferable skills from past jobs but I'm not certain how to present them (and myself). I'm also not sure how to address the extended time off or the awkward way I was termed from my last job. What are some ways I can show a potential employer I am up-to-date skill-wise and ready to work? I'm networking when I can, but need ways to get my foot in the door and get an interview, as well as suggestions on how to answer when the question of the work gap comes up. I worked IT in the mid-nineties, but ended up working office support with a lot of IT requirements (system admin on office help pay), and hate to end up in that type of position again! Thank you for your help.